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CNN: Crowley Wins Wisconsin Democratic Governor's Race; Arkansas Woman Files Complaint Against State Trooper; New Instrument That Could Change Study Of Sun To Be Tested. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired August 12, 2026 - 04:30   ET

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

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[04:30:57]

POLO SANDOVAL, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, welcome back. We now have a projected winner in Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor. CNN projecting that Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will win that race. He defeats state assembly member Francesca Hong by a narrow margin. Crowley had dropped out of the race earlier, but later reactivated his campaign and grabbed the endorsement of the outgoing governor of that state, Tony Evers. Crowley will now face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany come November.

And as the news broke in the last hour, I spoke with Richard Johnson, a senior lecturer in U.S. politics at Queen Mary's University in London. Listen to part of our conversation.

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RICHARD JOHNSON, SR. LECTURER IN U.S. POLITICS, QUEEN MARY UNIV. OF LONDON: This is a huge upset. If you look at the polls leading up to this race, Hong was leading Crowley in most of the polls by as many as 20 percentage points with 10 or fewer percentage of voters undecided. And so this is a real polling miss that actually reminds me of what we saw last week with the Michigan Senate race, where their Haley Stevens nearly defeated Abdul El-Sayed, which was unexpected.

And it's in both cases we see a pattern where the more moderate candidate, Stevens in Michigan and Crowley in Wisconsin, are far overperforming their polling. And polling is a very difficult exercise. We still don't quite know why the polls are so far off. I have a couple of thoughts on that. And one might be that we see greater enthusiasm from more left-leaning Democrats to participate in polls. So that would be a kind of response bias as to who fills out a response to a poll. The other is about waiting turnout. And that may be what we're seeing here.

It's very difficult when you're doing a poll to estimate different groups in the electorate as to who's going to actually turn out. It's one thing for them to say they'll vote for a candidate. The other thing is, are they going to show up? And I wonder if the pollsters in Michigan and Wisconsin have quite substantially underestimated the turnout of more moderate Democrats. SANDOVAL: As the more conventional Democrat, Richard, what does facing David Crowley mean for the Republican Party as a whole?

JOHNSON: Well, you know, this, you know, Wisconsin is a purple state. It's a state that has flipped back and forth between Democrats and Republicans at presidential level. And it's also a state which has elected Republicans to statewide office in recent years. Wisconsin had a very famous Republican governor, Scott Walker, who pursued really quite a conservative policy agenda. And Democrats tried to recall Scott Walker on a couple of occasions and was unable to do that. Those elections are often fought in Wisconsin on a knife edge.

Wisconsin's also seen highly competitive state Supreme Court elections, which have been decided on a knife edge. And I do wonder if what we're seeing here in this victory for David Crowley is the argument of electability over ideological purity. Is it the case that Democrats wanted a winner who could defeat the Republicans? And that's what mattered more to them than whether or not Crowley had signed up to some of the more kind of left leaning positions on, say, ICE or defunding the police.

SANDOVAL: Going to Francesca Hong, I mean, what do you think that Democratic socialists are taking away from this, Richard, especially for when it comes to that segment of the party and its future?

JOHNSON: Well, I thought it was very interesting seeing the response of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders to Francesca Hong's candidacy, which was to say that they didn't want to get involved in this race, which is quite different from some of the other cases where Sanders is very happy to endorse El-Sayed. There's been an important contest in Minnesota with Peggy Flanagan, and Sanders was willing to endorse that, but not here in Wisconsin. And I think with Hong, she clearly did have some flaws as a candidate, particularly some of the comments that she had made.

[04:35:26]

There'd been a lot that had been made about this comment she made in 2020 about cancelling Thanksgiving, which came back to haunt her, probably somewhat of a trivial point. But I think what it perhaps shows for the Democratic socialists is the importance of vetting their candidates and making sure that their candidates aren't going to have past statements that then become, you know, a weight around their neck in the campaign, particularly if these contests are going to be fought on such narrow margins. You don't really have room for error in these kinds of contests at the moment for the Democratic socialists.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANDOVAL: A former U.S. Marine held in Russia, now back on American soil, where he will be receiving medical care. Robert Gilman was released from detention on Tuesday, and this after warnings that he had suffered torture and was reportedly near death. He had been detained there since 2022 on disputed charges. CNN's Jennifer Hansler with more. JENNIFER HANSLER, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: U.S. Marine veteran Robert Gilman was released from Russian detention on Tuesday after more than four and a half years after mounting concerns around his health. Gilman was released on humanitarian grounds, according to both U.S. officials and a Russian official. The U.S. official said nothing was exchanged or given to secure Gilman's release.

Now, President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the matter, and Putin had agreed to free him. Trump also said that he spoke with Gilman on his way back to the United States and that Gilman had, "one request," a really great cheeseburger when he landed back in the U.S. Now, his ability to speak with the president was a promising initial sign given the massive concerns around his health.

However, a picture posted by both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio showed Gilman as incredibly gaunt, and a source told CNN that he was non-ambulatory, meaning that he wasn't able to necessarily stand up or walk on his own. After arriving back in the U.S., Gilman is expected to be treated at a military hospital in Texas, where his family will also meet him. There have been mounting concerns around Gilman's health, especially in recent weeks.

An advocate for the family told CNN that he was subjected to psychological and physical torture while he was detained in Russia, and that more than six weeks ago, he had slipped into a dissociative stupor. His family was concerned that they might not ever see him alive. Gilman's sister, Lexi Hudson, said in a statement on Tuesday that she was incredibly grateful that her brother was on his way back to the United States.

Her statement said in part, "There is no other reason that Robert is alive today, other than that president Trump heard about the case and took action." She also thanked Senator Ed Markey for his work on this case.

Jennifer Hansler, CNN, the State Department.

[04:38:21]

SANDOVAL: And still ahead here on CNN Newsroom, a New York state judge sets the start date for Luigi Mangione's murder trial. What we learned out of his final expected court appearance before he goes to trial for the kill -- the suspect -- after he's accused of the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.

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SANDOVAL: Well, after hours and hours of vote counting, CNN can finally project that Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will be the one to win Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor. The race against progressive state assembly member Francesca Hong, a real nail biter from the start. Crowley will now be facing Republican House Representative Tom Tiffany, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. Bipartisan lawmakers are pushing to pass a bill addressing reports that A.I. models are escaping testing environments and then hacking into outside computer systems. The A.I. Kill Switch Act would force companies to build safety features into their systems that would allow authorities to shut down models deemed harmful. Sponsors of the legislation are insisting that they are not trying to slow down the development of the technology, but they say that it needs more built in control features. And this is them.

A New York state judge has set out the schedule and some parameters for Luigi Mangione's state murder trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, starting with jury selection scheduled on September 8th. CNN's Kara Scannell for the preview.

KARA SCANNELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Luigi Mangione is back in court for his final pre-trial conference, where he goes on trial for allegedly murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO in December 2024. At the hearing, the judge gave some direction on jury selection. He said that this jury in the case would be anonymous, meaning the public will not know the identities of the jurors who were selected.

He also said that both sides should come together and come up with a bunch of questions that they want to ask the prospective jurors and let them know where they agree and where they disagree. The judge also noted the intense media interest in this case. He said that there has been expressions of interest from more than 80 news organizations and media figures, and so there will be an overflow courtroom where members of the media and the public can come and watch the proceedings, where there will be audio and visual video of what's happening inside the courtroom.

All of this leading up to jury selection beginning on September 8th, just a few weeks away. If Mangione is convicted, he could face as much as life in prison. He is pleaded not guilty. Back to you.

SANDOVAL: Kara Scannell, thank you.

An 18-year-old Arkansas woman has filed a federal civil rights complaint against a state trooper. Alisa Hackett says that he used excessive force during a traffic stop earlier this month. Now, a warning that our report from Catherine Rowley of affiliate KTHV does contain graphic content.

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ALISA HACKETT, CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINANT: What's that?

MOISSES ARELLANO, ARKANSAS STATE TROOPER: What's the emergency?

HACKETT: My window is broke.

CATHERINE ROWLEY, KTHV (voice-over): Arellano wrote that he could see a cold bottle of liquor in the car.

ARELLANO: You're trying to go to jail, ain't you? HACKETT: If I went to jail, I would never stop. I wouldn't even stand at the alcohol window.

ROWLEY (voice-over): While writing citations, Arellano called his sergeant who had stopped Hackett days earlier. Arlano wrote that the trooper had told him that Hackett had an open container of alcohol during that stop earlier. After that call, Arlano wrote that he decided a citation would not be enough and moved to arrest Hackett.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, she got an attitude taker -- in jail.

[04:45:00]

ARELLANO: OK, all right, we'll do that.

ROWLEY (voice-over): The video shows Hackett asking why she is under arrest before the encounter escalates.

ARELLANO: Yes, let me get your name real quick.

HACKETT: Sir, what did I do?

ARELLANO: Give me your left hand real quick. Do not, look, look, do not resist. Do not resist.

HACKETT: I didn't do anything. I need to call mama.

ARELLANO: No, no. Stop.

HACKETT: What did I do? Oh, no.

ARELLANO: Stop.

ROWLEY (voice-over): About 10 seconds later, while he is kneeling over her, the video shows him punching Hackett in the face.

ARELLANO: Fuck, turn around. Turn around. Turn around. Turn around.

ROWLEY (voice-over): In his use of force report, Arellano acknowledged that he delivered what he called one closed fist strike to the left side of Hackett's face. During the struggle, Hackett cried for help asking to call her mother and tells the trooper he cannot punch her.

ARELLANO: Turn around.

HACKETT: You cannot punch me.

ROWLEY (voice-over): The video also shows Arellano drawing his taser and warning Hackett he will punch her again if she does not turn over. He does not fire the taser.

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SANDOVAL: But that trooper is not on administrative leave according to the Arkansas State Police, so there is an internal review that's underway. A part of the world will soon find itself in darkness during a total solar eclipse. Details on this rare celestial event and how it could change the way, but really what we know about the sun.

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[04:50:20]

SANDOVAL: All right, now a quick update to our top stories. CNN projecting Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will be the one to win Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor. He managed to edge out state assembly member Francesca Hong after holding on to a narrow lead for most of the evening. Hong had been a leading candidate, but some critics questioned whether she could beat out a Republican opponent to become next governor of the state. Crowley's next opponent, Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Crowley's campaign manager just released a statement moments ago, reading in part, the choice in November has always been clear. We can move Michigan, I'm sorry, we should move Wisconsin forward with leadership focused on solving problems, or we can bring the division and extremism of Tom Tiffany and Donald Trump to Wisconsin.

Well, more than a million Americans are without power as some intense thunderstorms sweep across the Midwest. A flash flood and tornado warnings are spanning from Chicago to the Central Appalachians on Tuesday. Sherrell Hubbard with more.

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SHERRELL HUBBARD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Some Ohioans began cleanup efforts Tuesday afternoon after damaging winds tore through their neighborhood.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Huge winds, branches obviously flying, snapping and falling. Kept hearing lots of popping.

HUBBARD (voice-over): But their efforts may be premature. A long lasting line of storms is expected to continue to pound the region.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have got storm after storm after storm lining up one after another.

HUBBARD (voice-over): In this video from the Ohio Department of Transportation, one vehicle can be seen on Interstate 71 being blown over by powerful winds as other cars halt to a stop as the storm passes by. Hurricane force wind gusts over 90 miles per hour were captured in parts of Chicago. And Columbus, Ohio experienced gusts over 80 miles an hour as storms tore through those areas and weather experts clocked a storm known as a derecho from northeast Iowa to northern Indiana.

Many of the same areas seeing intense storms are also at risk for flooding with forecasters predicting more extreme rainfall over the next several days. Around 200 people in Perry County, Ohio were forced from their homes after floodwaters rose Tuesday. The state's governor is warning others that the worst may not be over and to remain vigilant.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We all do stupid things and we all make mistakes. This is not the time to do that.

HUBBARD (voice-over): Other powerful storms hit the central Appalachians knocking out power to hundreds of thousands as the region faces a serious multi-day flash flooding threat.

I'm Sherrell Hubbard reporting.

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SANDOVAL: The celestial sky will be putting on quite the show over the next few days. First up, a total solar eclipse that's set to cross over Iceland, Greenland, Spain and Russia. For about two minutes a moon will line up just perfectly with the sun plunging several countries into darkness. And in a rare alignment the northern hemisphere will get a dazzling look at the Perseid meteor shower. In the early hours of Thursday morning, NASA says that the Perseids are best -- are actually the best meteor shower to observe so don't miss it.

And as people watch the eclipse through protective glasses, astronomers in Italy will also be looking skyward testing a new instrument that could dramatically change how effectively the sun can be studied. Here's Rafael Romo to explain.

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RAFAEL ROMO, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In northern Italy, researchers have created a new instrument they believe will be a game changer for studying the sun. Its big test is coming up Wednesday during the solar eclipse. The scientists worked on the circular slit spectrometer for two and a half years and it's designed to scan the corona or the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere in minutes unlike previous models that took hours.

FEDERICO LANDINI, PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY IN TURIN (through translator): This spectrometer is an innovative prototype featuring a completely new optical design because unlike conventional spectrometers which use a linear slit and a linear grating it has a circular slit and can capture the spectrum of the entire corona at a certain distance from the center of the sun in a single photograph.

ROMO (voice-over): The solar eclipse on Wednesday will be visible to parts of the world including northern Spain where there will be totality. There the Italian researchers will put their new tool to the test. The eclipse creates rare conditions where the corona is more visible than normal.

LANDINI (through translator): So the aim is to test the system to demonstrate that this new operating principle works. This must be done during the eclipse because otherwise we would not be able to see the corona. We would not be able to see the subject we are interested in observing. [04:55:15]

PAOLA ZUPPELLA, INSTITUTE FOR PHOTONICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES OF PADUA (through translator): Let's say that the difficulty as with all innovative instruments lies in the transition from the idea from what one might expect to the final realization of the pieces.

ROMO (voice-over): They have opted to drive about 1,600 kilometers rather than fly so the instrument can travel safely and to avoid possible delays.

LANDINI (through translator): Traveling to Spain by road let's say from a practical point of view is easier at the moment because we can travel in the van with the equipment already fitted and simply check that the alignment has been maintained rather than having to start the process all over again. What's more given the current situation with flights which may well be canceled at the last minute it's best to make sure we actually get there.

ROMO (voice-over): If researchers can demonstrate the new tool works it could be applied to future space missions and has the potential to significantly speed up studies of the sun.

Rafael Romo, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANDOVAL: Rod Stewart canceling the remainder of farewell tour. The 81-year-old musician is recovering from a coronary stent procedure and says that he's taking the next few weeks to recuperate. Stewart canceled several dates earlier this year in Las Vegas and in the city of San Diego. The Grammy winner says that he is disappointed to be letting some of his fans down but he's already feeling much better he says and he wants to return to the stage at some points. Wish him a speedy recovery.

All right now to the Powerball jackpot. It is now the highest it's been since December. The grand prize soaring to an estimated $1 billion and this after nobody won Monday night's drawing. The next drawing happening Wednesday. Good luck. You'll split the winnings with me I'm sure.

Thank you so much for watching. I'm Polo Sandoval in New York. CNN Headline Express is next.

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