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Putin Invites Chinese President Xi to Moscow; At Least 39 Dead in Erie County, New York from Brutal Blizzard; Brazil Declares Three Days of National Mourning for Pele. Aired 10:30-11a ET

Aired December 30, 2022 - 10:30   ET

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

[10:30:00]

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Two of their seven drones that were headed toward the capital, two of them were shot down before they even reached the outskirts of the city. The other five were shot down over the city.

But there is intensifying combat in the eastern part of the country. Ukrainian officials acknowledging in the city of Bakhmut, which has been the scene of some of the most intense fighting of this war, both sides, both Ukrainian and Russian sides are taking heavy casualties as this battle has raged on for weeks, actually months.

And also along the entire eastern front, it appears that the Russians have been using a lot of their heavy firepower. In the southern part of the country, in the Kherson area, we've seen another intensification of Russian bombardment on that area recently liberated from Russian forces. Jessica?

JESSICA DEAN, CNN ANCHOR: And, Ben, I'd like to circle back to that potential Xi visit to Moscow. What kind of impact might that have on the war in Ukraine and is that getting any sort of attenston there on the ground?

WEDEMAN: Well, people are watching very closely given that China and sort of the Russian/Chinese partnership, the Chinese are definitely the stronger partner. But at the same time, the Chinese have been hesitant to back Putin militarily.

China is one of the biggest arms manufactures on Earth. But to-date, to the best of knowledge of intelligence agencies, the Chinese have not provided the Russians with much in the way of hardware or ammunition. In fact, the Russians have had to turn to countries like Iran and North Korea for the supplies they need.

The Chinese, even though rhetorically they support the Russians and seem to accept the Russian excuses or rationale for this war, they do not want to be the object of western sanctions. So, in theory, it is a partnership that provides benefits to the Russians, but on the ground here in Ukraine, it hasn't really made much of a difference. Jessica?

DEAN: Ben Wedeman live for us in Ukraine, thanks so much for that reporting. Still to come this morning, a man went into hero mode when he and several others were trapped outside during the deadly winter storm in Western New York. What he did that police say saved lives, that is next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:35:00]

DEAN: Just into CNN, a potential development in the murders of four college students in Idaho.

CNN's Veronica Miracle is in Moscow, Idaho. What are you learning, Veronica?

VERONICA MIRACLE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Well, Jessica, I just got off the phone with police a few moments ago, and they tell me there is going to be a press conference today at 1:00 Pacific Time at city hall to announce developments in this case.

We are expecting major developments to be announced today as this is the first time in weeks that police have held a press conference in the murders of these four students. This comes nearly seven weeks after this happened when four University of Idaho students were murdered, the coroner said, in their sleep, Madison Mogen, Kayle Goncalves, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.

During this time, of course, the families, the community has been reeling, even one family, the Goncalves family, who has been very outspoken about the fact that there have been very little developments in this case and police the entire time have been consistent in saying, stick with us, there are strong leads in this case, we're not releasing information to protect the integrity of this investigation, and they've been steadfast with only really announcing very few details.

But today, we understand there is going to be a press conference. The nature of that press conference, rather, and exactly what is going to be revealed, police are not saying. They're just saying that they are going to be sharing some developments today and we expect major developments to come out. Jessica?

DEAN: Okay, Veronica, and an important context that we haven't had a press conference from them in a while. So, it will be interesting to see what they update us with later this afternoon.

Veronica Miracle in Idaho, thanks so much for that update.

Also this morning, officials in Erie County, New York, saying at least 39 people died in that catastrophic blizzard and that the number could still continue to rise. We're also learning about some heroic acts that saved dozens of lives.

CNN National Correspondent Athena Jones joining me now live from Buffalo, New York. And, Athena, you're outside of the school that became a refuge, essentially, a refuge during the storm. Tell us how and what happened.

ATHENA JONES, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Jessica. Well, this is finally a good story we can tell you about a very brave and industrious and inventive mechanic named Jay Withey.

[10:40:04]

He got a call on Friday night from a friend who was stuck somewhere out in the storm and so he went out to try to find him. But he himself ran into trouble along the way, eventually got stuck. He ended up picking up another young man he didn't who was not dressed not well for a storm, wearing a light jacket. Later that evening, while sitting in his car figuring out what to do, another elderly woman came and knocked on his window, so she joined the group in his vehicle.

At one point, this mechanic went to, he says, ten different houses begging for people to let him in, saying he's afraid ever dying. He offered $500 to be allowed into someone's house to sleep on the floor. All of them turned him away saying I'm sorry, but I can't let you in. And so they returned to his car, they spent the rest of the night taking turns napping.

By the morning, one of them had to use the restroom and so he looked on his GPS and he found the school that you see right behind me, Edge Academy. We're here in a suburb of Buffalo. So, he went to the school and he knew it would have heat and bathrooms. So, he used some old brake pads, he broke a window on the side of the school. We went around there and saw where the sunglasses is on the ground and he managed to get in. And so the two -- his two guests were able to enter the school.

And then later he found that right outside in this area, there were several cars with older people just stranded in their cars. And so he went and brought them into the school. He later broke into the cafeteria and got cereal for the folks to eat, and so everyone was safe inside.

And he said in a letter, at the end, they stayed, they got into the school by Saturday morning, they stayed there until Sunday evening, so the evening of Christmas Day. He, at one point, got a snow blower from the school, managed to start it without the key because he's a mechanic, went outside and blew off the snow around the cars of all of the elderly people that he'd found by then. This is about ten people.

Here is what he said in a note he left at the school. To whomever it may concern, I'm terribly sorry about breaking into the school window and for breaking in the kitchen. Got stuck at 8:00 P.M. Friday and slept in truck with two strangers just trying not to die. There were seven elderly people also stuck and out of fuel. I had to do it to save everyone and get them shelter and food and a bathroom. He signed a letter, Merry Christmas, Jay. Jessica?

DEAN: Just incredible and so nice, like you said, to have a nice story, a good positive story coming out of Buffalo as they continue to dig out of the storm. Athena Jones, thanks so much.

And we'll be right back.

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[10:45:00]

DEAN: Brazil has declared three days of national mourning after the death of football's first global icon, Pele, one of the greatest to ever play the game. Fans of his career have been gathering outside of the Santos Stadium in Sao Paulo, where his wake will be held Monday. His coffin will be placed at center pitch. And then on Tuesday, a funeral procession will carry it through the streets.

Pele passed away after a battle with colon cancer. His daughter posted this family photo with the caption, quote, everything we are is thanks to you. We love you endlessly. Rest in peace.

Pele's death ends a year in sports that has made history on several fronts. CNN's Andy Scholes counts down the top ten moments.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Well, in 2022, we saw records fall, an epic World Cup and many shorts legends say goodbye, but the story garnering most the attention was one star athlete's battle for her freedom.

Number ten, Aaron Judge homering his way to a historic season. The Yankees slugger becoming the American league all time home run king, hitting 62 long balls breaking Roger Maris' record.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've been given a chance to have my name next to someone who as great as Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, those guys, is incredible.

SCHOLES (voice over): Before the season, Judge bet on himself, turning down a contract extension. And in December, the gamble paid off as he received the richest deal ever, a reported a nine-year, $360 million to return to New York. But Judge and Yankees were swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. The Astros went on to win their second World Series title in six years.

Number nine, Steph Curry and the Warriors also becoming champions once again. Steph with an all-time performance in game four against of the finals against the Celtics, scoring 43 points in Boston. The Warriors would take the series 4-2 with Steph winning his first ever NBA Finals MVP.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every once in a while, you have got to remind yourself.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You've got to remind them.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got four.

SCHOLES: In the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces claimed their first championship in franchise history, beating the Connecticut Sun in four games, crowing Coach Becky Hammon as the first rookie coach to win the WNBA title.

Number eight, the NFL playoffs in 2022 was one of the best we've ever seen. Patrick Mahomes with just 13 seconds on the clock got the Chiefs in position to tie the Bills, who they would eventually beat in an overtime thriller, 42-36.

The Chiefs though upset by the Bengals who made it to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989. The Super Bowl LVI was another home game for the NFC champion. The Rams playing at SoFi stadium made a comeback led by Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp to beat Cincinnati, 23-20 giving the city of Los Angeles the first Super Bowl title since 1984.

And city of L.A. would celebrate another title in November as LAFC won the MLS cup in dramatic fashion in just their fifth season. Actor and part-owner Will Ferrell enjoying the team's first title.

[10:50:03]

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Greatest game in MLS history. And if you don't agree with me, I will fight you in the parking lot right now.

SCHOLES: Number seven, despite COVID concerns and lockdowns in China, the Beijing Olympics were held in February. Figure skating under the spotlight once again after it was discovered that a 15-year-old Russian skating phenom Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance before the games. Valieva helped the Russians win gold in the team event but no medal ceremony was held. Nathan Chen meanwhile shining for Team USA winning the men's gold.

ERIN BURNETT, CNN ANCHOR: Tonight, Novak Djokovic, the world's top ranked men's tennis player, has been ordered to leave Australia.

SCOTT MORRISON, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER: If you're not double vaccinated and you're not an Australian resident or citizen, well, you can't come.

SCHOLES: Djokovic, who said he would rather miss tournaments than get vaccinated against COVID, only competed in two Grand Slams in 2022, winning Wimbledon for his 21st Grand Slam title.

JAKE TAPPER, CNN ANCHOR: And in Sports Lead, a historic agreement for U.S. soccer and equal pay, the Men's and Women's U.S. National Teams will both now receive equal pay and equal prize money, including at World Cups.

SCHOLES: With the U.S. Men's Team reaching the knockout phase in Qatar, the U.S. Women's Team received more money in 2022 than it did in its previous two World Cups combined, netting $6.5 million.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There was a lot of behind the scenes work for years now to get to where we are.

SCHOLES: Number four, less than 15 months after his severe car crash that required multiple surgeries on his right leg, Tiger Woods was back at the Masters. With a huge gallery following him, Tiger coming through with what he called the most impressive performance of his career, making the cut. He finished 47th, which would be his best finish at a major in 2022. Tiger only competed in three events this is year but he did fight for the PGA Tour off the course.

The new Saudi-back LIV Golf poaching notable PGA Tour players, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, with the lure of massive multi-million dollars contracts in their first year.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: To play there, I disagree with it. They've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My dad said to me, a long time ago, once you make your bed, you lie in it, and they've made their bed.

SCHOLES: Number three, 2022 was a banner year for sport stars retiring and unretiring.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Tom Brady seen by so many as the greatest NFL quarterback of all time is retiring after 22 seasons.

SCHOLES: Well, less than two months later, Brady changed his mind.

PAMELA BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news. Right now, just into CNN, a surprise word from the NFL that the goat is coming back. Tom Brady had only step add way from the NFL for a month-and-a-half before announcing his return.

SCHOLES: While Brady did come back, other sports legends did ride off into the sunset, Coach Mike Krzyzewski retiring from Duke as the winningest men's coach in college basketball history after 42 seasons, but not before one more final four run.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want to be in this moment. This team has given me so much joy.

SCHOLES: And in tennis, after battling injuries the past few years, 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer decided to call it a career.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I love tennis, everything about it. I will miss the competition, the fans cheering for or against me. They've usually been with me all of the way so it has been great.

SCHOLES: Serena Williams declared that she was going to be evolving away from tennis, leading to one of the most anticipated U.S. Opens ever. The 23-time Grand Slam winner wowing the crowd one more time advancing to the third round before saying goodbye.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Honestly, I'm so grateful that I had this moment and that I'm Serena.

SCHOLES: Number two, the first ever winter World Cup there Qatar ending in what is being called the greatest sporting event in history. Arguably the best ever, Argentina's Lionel Messi going head-to-head against the game's brightest young star in France's Kylian Mbappe. After more than 120 minutes of thrilling back and forth action, the final went to penalty kicks tied at three, and in his fifth and last World Cup, Messi finally getting the one trophy that had eluded him for so long, winning it all for Argentina.

And at number one --

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: So, this is CNN breaking news right now. We're getting news that Brittney Griner is free.

JOHN KING, CNN ANCHOR: Homeward bound, the WNBA superstar, Brittney Griner, out of a Russian penal colony, heading for American soil.

SCHOLES: Griner was arrested for possession of cannabis oil at a Moscow-area airport in February and sentenced to nine years in prison. Athletes across sports advocated for months encouraging the Biden administration to find a way to bring Griner home.

[10:55:02]

And two weeks before Christmas, it happened.

JOE BIDEN, U.S. PRESIDENT: She's safe, she's on her way home. After months of being unjustly detained in Russia, held under intolerable circumstances, Brittney will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones and she should have been there all along.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DEAN: Quite a year.

Just into CNN, the January 6 committee releasing another batch of transcripts from another 21 witnesses, including Rudy Giuliani and Jared Kushner. Details from those conversations when At This Hour begins after a short break.

Thanks so much for joining us. I'm Jessica Dean.

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[11:00:00]