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CDC Recommends Pfizer, Moderna Vaccines Over J&J; Australia's New South Wales Hits Another Daily Record of Covid Cases; Prosecution Rests: Use of Force Expert Testifies for Defense; Search Warrant Issued for Alec Baldwin's Cell Phone; Premier League Matches Postponed Because of Covid Outbreaks. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired December 17, 2021 - 04:30   ET

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

[04:30:00]

ISA SOARES, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back to CNN NEWSROOM, everyone. I'm Isa Soares. If you're just joining us, let me bring you up to date with our top stories this hour.

President Biden admitting Democrats will miss the Christmas deadline to pass his sweeping Build Back Better plan. Their saying he's determined to see the bill successfully on the floor as early as possible. Biden cited ongoing talks with key Senator Joe Manchin which had stalled.

Plus, COVID is again tightening its grip on the United States. President Biden met with his top health officials yesterday. He warns of severe illness and death of the unvaccinated that will overwhelm hospitals. Hospitalizations in the U.S. are up 40 percent from just a month ago, and the country is now averaging more than 1,300 deaths a day. "EARLY START" of course will have much more on those two stories in about 25 minutes or so.

Now, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending Pfizer and Moderna vaccines over Johnson & Johnson. The J&J shot has been linked to a rare blood clotting syndrome. But experts say there is no need for anyone who got the vaccine to panic. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta has more for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, this was a unanimous decision by this advisory committee. Basically, came down to two things. One is that the J&J vaccine did not appear to be as effective as the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. I think that was first point.

And the second point was there seemed to be some greater risks, still very rare risks, but greater than what they're seeing with Moderna and J&J. I want to show you the numbers here, broken down by females and males looking at ages and figuring out how likely were people to develop the rare clotting condition. And you can see clearly the most vulnerable were women between the ages of 30 and 39. But still, we're talking about ten cases per million there. Gives you

an idea of just how detailed they get in these investigations to try and find these rare side effects. That gives you an idea of how common this rare clotting condition is. But when you look at the numbers overall, what you find is that through the end of August there were 54 cases total out of 14 million doses. As far as deaths go, there were nine deaths through December 9th out of 17 million doses.

Now, that is, again, what is I think fueled this advisory committee's recommendation. I should point out, out of the 200 million or so vaccines that have been given in the United States, 17 million have been Johnson & Johnson. So, it's not a large number. People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the past should not look at this as cause for alarm. If people were likely to develop this clotting abnormality, it usually happens very quickly, within the first couple of weeks after receiving the shot.

So, going forward, this Johnson & Johnson shots not necessarily being taken off the market, but I think the advice, the recommendations are clear from this advisory committee that the preference for adults is the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccines going forward.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: Thank you very much, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Well, researchers are reporting this year's flu vaccines may not be very effective. One of the strains of influenza has changed in this year's vaccines doesn't match it. In fact, researchers are calling it a major miss match. As a result, the antibodies the vaccine produces don't fight the disease so well. Still experts say the vaccines will likely prevent severe illness.

Now the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will allow pills that end early-stage pregnancies to be sent by mail. Previously the agency required that medication be picked up in person. The move comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a Mississippi case that could reverse Roe v. Wade. The decision that grants abortion rights in the United States.

Now, more than 2,000 new COVID infections have been reported across the Australian state of New South Wales. That is another unfortunate daily record. Surging case numbers are being driven by super spreader events and large venues like pubs as well as night clubs and the spread, of course, on the Omicron variant doesn't help. According to the region's health minister, modelling shows infection numbers could go as high as 25,000 per day, and that's by January.

[04:05:00]

The case surge comes just as New South Wales announced the lifting of many restrictions across the state.

Let's get more on the story. Steven Jiang is monitoring all for us. And Steven, this New South Wales a new record, I think it's the second day. Didn't restrictions ease not so long ago? This might be very worry for authorities there.

STEVEN JIANG, CNN BEIJING BUREAU CHIEF: That's right. They are worrisome when you look into the details. On Friday they reported one death with 215 people remaining hospitalized, including 24 in intensive care. As you said, this is happening shortly after they eased a lot of their COVID restrictions such as lifting mask mandates and compulsory health QR code checks in many public places. And then, of course, Omicron struck.

This highly transmissible variant seemed to be resistant to vaccines in many cases. Because remember, New South Wales boasts a very high vaccination rate of 93 percent in its population aged 16 and above. So, this is really putting its local government in a bind in terms of whether or not they should re-introduce lockdowns and other COVID restrictions.

And as of now, especially as we head into the new year holiday, they are leaning towards not to do that. But is you mentioned, local health officials already issuing that dire warning of new case numbers reaching 25,000 per day by January. But also, as you noted, a lot of those new cases are driven by large gatherings. High school graduation events and night club parties, including one Taylor Swift themed dance party. And I'm sure you know one of her signature songs is "I Knew You Were Trouble." I think that's something a lot of people probably want to say to Omicron down under -- Isa.

SOARES: Thank you very much, Steven Jiang there for us.

Now, U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to sign a bill banning most imports from China's Xinjiang region. The Senate passed the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act late on Thursday. Products will be allowed into the U.S. only if there is clear and convincing evidence they weren't made with forced labor. Human rights groups call it the first expansive cost to China for abuses against the Uyghurs. Several major U.S. corporations, including Nike and Coca-Cola lobbied against the bill.

Now 12 members of a U.S.-based missionary group are back home after surviving a kidnapping ordeal in Haiti. A local source tells CNN they flew to the U.S. Thursday the same day a notorious gang released them. The former hostages spent two months in captivity -- if you remember -- the nation where violence and kidnappings are common. A U.S. official says a ransom was paid for their release, but not by the U.S. government. In the amount was reportedly far lower than what the gang initially demanded. The kidnapping led to protests in Haiti. Five other members of the missionary group were released earlier.

And voters in Chile will head to the polls on Sunday for presidential runoff that could change the country's future. The contest is the most polarized election Chile has seen since the return to democracy in the 1990s. The two candidates are ultra-conservative. And leftist former student leader, Gabriel Boric. They are in an extremely tight race that could all come down to just who votes on Sunday. Some observers worry that the extreme polarization of the election could prevent many centrists from voting at all. Of course, we'll stay on top of that story for you. Still ahead, the prosecution rests its case against the former

Minnesota police officer charged in the killing of Daunte Wright. We have the latest from the courtroom coming up.

And we are following new developments concerning the fatal shooting on the set of the film "Rust". The item authorities want actor Alec Baldwin to turnover. That's after the break. You are watching CNN NEWSROOM.

[04:10:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: Now, defense attorneys in the trial of former police officer Kim Potter have begun laying out their case, calling their first witness on Thursday. A use of force expert testified it was reasonable for Potter to pull what she thought was her taser on Daunte Wright, directly contradicting a prosecution witness who testified -- if you remember -- a day before. CNN's Josh Campbell has the latest for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good morning. No, your honor, the state rests.

JOSH CAMPBELL, CNN SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The prosecution resting its case Thursday morning in the manslaughter trial of former officer, Kim Potter.

KIM POTTER, FORMER OFFICER: I shot him! Oh, my god!

CAMPBELL (voice-over): Who shot and killed Daunte Wright with her gun after yelling "taser" during a traffic stop in April. The defense slamming the government's case.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a confusing mess really.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): The first witness for the defense, a use of force expert testifying Brooklyn Center Police had no choice but to try and arrest Daunte Wright.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With a bench warrant outstanding for the driver was there in your view an obligation to arrest him, meaning Mr. Wright.

STEPHEN IJAMES, DEFENSE USE OF FORCE EXPERT: Absolutely a mandate.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): And insisting that user a taser as he resisted, would have been justified to protect other officers.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Was officer Potter's perceived use of a taser consistent with contemporary and professional police training and practice?

IJAMES: Yes, sir.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): Those comments contradicting an expert called Wednesday by the prosecution. SETH STOUGHTON, PROSECUTION WITNESS: The use of a taser under the circumstances was unreasonable and inconsistent with generally accepted practices.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): In cross-examination Thursday, the prosecution making the point that even if an officer can arrest a suspect, officers must still act appropriately.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can't just shoot somebody because they decided not to cooperate with being arrested.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Of course not.

TIM GANNON, FORMER BROOKLYN CENTER POLICE CHIEF: She was a fine officer.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): Also testifying the former Brooklyn Center police chief who resigned just days after the fatal shooting.

GANNON: I believe one of the reasons that I was required or requested to leave the agency was because I would not immediately fire Kim Potter. There's certain things within the department that you get known for. Are you handling your calls? Are you professional when you talk with people? Are you doing good police reports? She was known for doing all those things.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): And testifying that he saw nothing wrong with Potter's actions during her encounter with Wright.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is it your opinion that not only could a Taser be used in this chaotic situation, but also a gun, is that right?

GANNON: That is correct.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you doing any favors for her by saying this?

GANNON: I am not.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): Potter's defense attorney who throughout the trial has repeatedly interrupted prosecutors to argue his points admonished yet again in court, Thursday.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That wasn't a quote. It was a report there.

JUDGE: OK, counsel, remember, no speaking objections. Oh, my God.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, Your Honor, I apologize.

CAMPBELL (voice-over): Two witnesses still remaining, including Potter herself, who will face the jury and testify in her own defense.

JUDGE: Miss Potter, do you still want to testify, or have you changed your mind?

POTTER: Yes, Your Honor, I'll testify.

[04:15:00]

CAMPBELL: Now, the testimony of that former officer could come as early as Friday. Legal experts have described it as a bold move. You don't always see defendants taking the stand in their own defense. But it likely signals that defense attorneys are confident that their client will come across to the jury as believable.

Of course, it also comes with certain risks. By testifying she opens herself up to cross-examination by prosecution lawyers who have no doubt have spent months plotting questions that they would want to ask this officer if given the chance.

Josh Campbell, CNN, Minneapolis.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: Of course, we'll stay on top of that story for you.

Now, Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking trial is expected to resume in the coming hours. Maxwell is a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein. The first witness in her defense was a psychologist who testified about false memories in an attempt to undermine the four accusers who say Maxwell groomed them for Epstein's abuse.

Last week -- if you remember -- prosecutors introduced these pictures of Maxwell and Epstein embracing. The defense objected, but the judge agreed that their close relationship is central to the case. Defense arguments are expected to last just a few days.

The full trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes will soon go to the jury. Closing arguments on Thursday, government prosecutor said Holmes knowingly misled investors about the financial health of her company and overstated the viability of its blood testing technology. The defense account that even though Theranos was in financial trouble, Holmes did not intentionally deceive investors. Jurors heard from more than 30 witnesses during the three-month trial. Holmes took the stand in her own defense in the final week of testimony.

We are learning new details about the investigation into the fatal shooting on the "Rust" movie set. Now according to court documents, a search warrant has been issued for actor Alec Baldwin's cell phone. The warrant states officials want to obtain messages as well as call logs, photos, video and social media messages in relation to the film's production. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when Baldwin's gun went off during rehearsal. In an interview with ABC News, Baldwin described what happened. Have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALEC BALDWIN, ACTOR: I'm holding -- I'm doubly sure and I went, how about that? Does that work? Do you see that? Do you see that? Is that she goes yes, that's good. I let go of the hammer, bang, the gun goes off.

Robert Everyone is horrified. They're shocked. It's loud. They don't have their ear plugs in. The gun was supposed to be empty. I was told I was handed an empty gun. There were cosmetic rounds, nothing with a charge at all, flash round, nothing. She goes down. I thought to myself, did she faint? The notion that there was a live round in that gun did not dawn on me until probably 45 minutes to an hour later.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SOARES: Now, when asked why he pointed the gun at Hutchins and pulled the trigger when that wasn't in the script. Baldwin said, quote, I would never point a gun at anyone and then pull the trigger, never, he says.

Now, the coronavirus Omicron variant is wreak being havoc on sports leagues. Alex Thomas breaks down what's coming up on CNN NEWSROOM.

ALEX THOMAS, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yes, that's right, Isa. Obviously, this is a crucial time for England's Premier League while coronavirus is spreading in cases, increasing in other countries. It is one of the few top European football leagues to play over the Christmas period. Others have winter breaks. And it's the call of some managers to postpone a full week's worth of fixtures just to have a fire break and stop the spread of infection in the Premier League.

[04:20:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: Welcome back, everyone. The NBA and the NFL are hoping to save their seasons with new COVID protocols in response to the latest surge. Positive tests have doubled in the National Football League this week, but no games have been canceled. Basketball hasn't fared as well though. Players, coaches and staff will go back to wearing masks on the bench and locker rooms and in other team areas. And testing will become more frequent over the next few weeks.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is on the team's reserve COVID-19 list, was clearly frustrated -- as you can see there -- by the league's shifting message. He tweeted, make up your dam mind on protocols and suggested the NFL was putting profits ahead of player safety.

Now, the English Premier League is postponing more matches due to COVID outbreaks among the teams. Ten matches have been called off over the past six days. The move comes as the U.K. battles a major COVID surge linked to the Omicron variant which we brought you at the top of the show. For more, Alex Thomas joins me now for more. And Alex, just for our international viewers to get a sense of this, normally this is a very busy season for the Premier League. This is exciting times for many people who love football.

THOMAS: Yes, and as you just mentioned, it's not just the U.K. suffering from a surge in cases, and it's not just football. And England's Premier League is the only sporting competition to be affected. But the reason it's going to impact the Premier League so much, is firstly, it's the most watched, the most lucrative of the big five in Europe's football competitions. A global audience who want to see the matches on TV. And of course, the Premier League is trying to juggle the need to put those matches on versus the health and safety of its playing staff.

I think what's frustrating managers particularly at the moment is a slight ambiguity in the rules. A bit like the NFL player just tweeted out. Obviously, the rules are going to change because the virus is changing all the time. And sport is not in isolation to the wider society.

So, what we've finding is that we've had five matches called off over the last six days. One of the three Premier League games scheduled for last night didn't happen. That was the Leicester/Spur's game. Both managers complaining they didn't know why the Premier League said some matches were postponed other matches weren't. And only half of this week's ten games are going to go ahead. So, that's ten teams not able to field a proper team.

And some calling for a complete fire break, just to stop the spread of infections. Take a week off, let all the squads isolate properly and come back with far fewer cases.

SOARES: Who makes the call whether to stop the games or not? Is this managers? Is it Premier league?

THOMAS: The Premier League board get together and they have released some rules now trying to make it clear as to how they decide it. But they like wider government authorities struggling with what to do as cases escalate.

[04:25:00]

SOARES: Do you think they are under pressure to try and stop the remaining games given the surge here?

THOMAS: Yes, but they are also under pressure not to go back to a situation where you have to ban crowds from stadiums which is happening in Germany.

SOARES: Thank you very much, Alex Thomas there.

Now, the White House was the scene yesterday of pomp as well as circumstance. But it was also poignant. President Biden seemed tearful as he bestowed the nation's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor to three soldiers. Two of them posthumously. They included Army Sergeant Alvin Cash, who pulled several soldiers from a burning vehicle in Iraq in 2005. He died from his wounds.

Also honored was Army Sergeant Christopher Celiz who died after using his body as a shield to protect an injured person in Afghanistan in 2018.

Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee was the only living recipient at the ceremony. He carried a soldier to safety while shooting at insurgents in Afghanistan in 2013.

And that does it for me here today. Thanks very much for watching. I'm Isa Soares. We'll have much more, of course, on "EARLY START" with Christine Romans and Laura Jarrett. Have a wonderful weekend. I shall see you on Monday. Bye-bye.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)