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Connect the World
U.S. May Use Non-Nuclear "Mother of all Bombs" on Iran; CNN & Jubilee Host Town Hall with James Talarico; Eating Disorder Specialists, Sharp Rise in Anorexia Patients Using GLP-1s; OpenAI Accuses Former Employee of Leaking Secrets to Apple; Champions PSG Outlast Man City 4-2 in High-Octane Clash. Aired 9-9:45a ET
Aired October 15, 2026 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[09:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST, CONNECT THE WORLD: And you are looking at the White House, where, according to exclusive CNN reporting, President Trump
and his administration are considering using the quote mother of all bombs on Iran. More on that reporting this hour. It is 09:00 a.m. in Washington,
05:00 p.m. here in Abu Dhabi, from our Gulf and Middle East Programming Headquarters. I'm Becky Anderson. You're watching "Connect the World".
Also coming up this hour, Ukraine's President says he will resume attacks on Russian refineries and complains about a dangerous withdrawal of U.S.
intelligence sharing. U.S. midterm elections just a few weeks away, and the competition is heating up in Texas. More on that coming up.
And we are just 30 minutes away from the start of trade on Wall Street. The Asian markets had a bit of a rough session, particularly the tech stocks.
You see the NASDAQ off indicated off on the open by about 1.2 percent. The DOW, though keeping its head above water. 30 minutes from now, we'll get
the bell on Wall Street, and more on how these markets are opening this Thursday.
We begin though with a CNN exclusive. Multiple officials say the U.S. is considering using the largest non-nuclear bomb in its arsenal against Iran.
The Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or MOAB, as it's also known, is the mother of all bombs. It could be used to target Iranian infrastructure and
nuclear sites.
Sources say the U.S. President has ordered the military to develop new strike plans that include the use of this weapon. Zachary Cohen brought us
this exclusive report, and he joins us now from Washington. And Zachary, just explain a little more about what your sources are telling you about
the potential for the use of this weapon.
ZACHARY COHEN, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: Yeah, Becky, the U.S. military has continued to provide President Donald Trump with a menu of
options, and I'm told that the recent strike packages developed by the Pentagon reference this mother -- using the mother of all bombs in the
context of potentially targeting higher end targets like Iranian nuclear facilities that are buried deep underground, or even energy infrastructure
targets.
But it's interesting, Becky, because this bomb, the mother of all bombs, or MOAB, as it's abbreviated, was not designed as a penetrating warhead, and
frankly, doesn't have the capability to reach far enough underground to actually destroy what may lie underneath some of these Iranian facilities,
whether it's a nuclear facility like Pickaxe Mountain, which President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to launch strikes against.
It's also not clear that the U.S. military would actually need to use the MOAB to destroy Iranian infrastructure targets as well, raising the
question of why would the president choose to deploy this weapon if it's not necessarily the right or most effective munition for those particular
targets.
And we're told that it could be part of this effort by the president to come up with some sort of a definitive end to the conflict, or at least
something that he can point to as a symbolic win that could allow him to try to declare victory and remove U.S. forces from the region.
The presidents under immense political pressure and has been for some time now over this war, which is deeply unpopular here in the United States.
He's also facing a midterm election where the Republican Party could face that political backlash, given the polling numbers around the Iran War.
And also, President Donald Trump's various stated strategic objectives, including preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, are still
sort of outstanding at this time, as the military hasn't even completed its entire target list that it was given at the beginning of this conflict
several months ago.
So, all of this coming together, both political and military, but the MOAB is designed in part as a psychological weapon as well. It's something that
was intended to have a psychological effect in addition to a massive surface area blast radius. So, this is just one option among a series of
options that are at President Trump's disposal.
He's obviously publicly said that he does not intend to launch additional strikes against Iran before the midterms. But one adviser to the president
did also question whether or not that could change. So, whether it's before or after the elections, this and other military options remain at the
president's disposal as he seeks a quick resolution to this war without really any diplomatic negotiation, at least a resolution that way in sight.
ANDERSON: Yep, the war deeply unpopular in the U.S. as you say, less than three weeks away from the U.S. midterms. A chance for voters, of course, to
make their point. I can tell you, this war is deeply unpopular in this region, where we are, of course, as well in what is a highly contested
space. It's always good to have you, Zach.
[09:05:00]
That's important new reporting. Thank you for getting us bang up to date, and more as we move through the next two hours with this show. Ukraine's
President, meantime, says his country is to resume strikes on Russia's oil refineries, stating he is done with the so-called energy ceasefire that was
announced by Donald Trump last week.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticized what he called the dangerous withdrawal of U.S. intelligence sharing, revealing his growing frustration with
Washington. The Ukrainian President called the U.S.-Russia diesel deal a simple victory for the Kremlin, saying he feels betrayed by Donald Trump.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT: It's a pity that we are losing. We are a losing strong partner. So, this is my opinion.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And you think you're losing America?
ZELENSKYY: Yeah, but not because of us. We, I mean, this we can't be weak, otherwise we can't survive. That's why it's painful when President Trump
chooses one side, not our side. But we are OK that he's in the middle. But if you are in the middle, you have to stay in the middle, not on the wrong
side. This is not right side of history.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Zelenskyy being interviewed there in London by Piers Morgan. Russia's Defense Ministry says Ukraine has already attempted an attack on a
refinery in the west of the country. CNN's Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh is in London.
Of course, Nick, you've been in and out of Ukraine on numerous occasions over this past what four and a half years. What do you make of what we are
seeing at this point? Do you believe this is really an end to the U.S.- Ukraine alliance at this point?
NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: I mean, we've been here before, but the last time we were here was March of last
year during the Oval Office blowout. And that was extremely serious and required, seemed like half of Europe to try and persuade Donald Trump to
mend his relationship with Zelenskyy. It took months.
We're in a very similar position here, and look, it's important to frame this correctly. The energy ceasefire that Donald Trump called very much
unilaterally was something that took Ukraine by surprise, and the Kremlin never signed on to. They hit Ukrainian energy targets within a matter of
hours, and so now Zelenskyy saying, all right, we're done with this, is essentially a reflection of the reality, and indeed a reflection too of how
painful their strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
They're all refineries, essentially, have been to Russia. The reason behind the diesel deal that Trump hatched with Putin was essentially to get
hundreds of thousands of barrels of diesel on the market to bring the price down at the American pump before the midterms. Unlikely to work, say many
analysts, in that kind of pace and impact.
But still, the sanctions being lifted against Russia to enable them to do that, a sign of how easily Trump will deliver things that Vladimir Putin
wants. Very little back instead. What we've seen, though, over the past 24, 48 hours are essentially the threats that the Americans put against the
Ukrainians to get them to go along with this energy ceasefire seemingly coming to life.
Some restraints on Starshield satellite internet system that is used by the military in Ukraine to communicate. They appear to have been alleviated,
and it's back more or less to where it was. Some also restraints too on Starlink use in an offensive and defensive capacity. Elon Musk has stepped
forward somewhat remarkably and said, look, don't blame me for what my systems are doing or not doing. This is all done at the American
government's behest.
Indeed, also saying that a commercial company shouldn't assist with offensive operations inside of Russia. But interesting that Musk is trying
to step back from this decision process. There are many Republicans too who are uncomfortable with where Trump is positioning himself here, so it's not
quite as bad as it was in March last year, because I think back then this was all fresh.
Now this is basically the Trump pendulum swinging back against Zelenskyy. His population have endured nightly horrific attacks. 39 ballistic missiles
launched. That's why the intelligence sharing is so important. Without the early warnings the Americans provide, Ukrainians will die.
And so, when you see Zelenskyy, there quite defiant. It's basically a reflection of reality that they have to try and survive somehow. And with
that, they cannot constantly vacillate with President Trump, fawn when he's against them, fawn when he's with them. And they have Europeans now who
they'll be seeing today to try and bolster their position, Ukraine knows it has to more and more go it alone.
But ultimately, here, yes, Zelenskyy, very dangerous moment to so openly criticize President Trump like that. We know how it normally goes when that
happens.
ANDERSON: Yeah, it's good to have you, Nick. Nick is in London today. Time there is just about 10 past two in the afternoon, 10 past five here, 10
past nine in Washington.
[09:10:00]
And the clock ticking for those U.S. lawmakers all over the country campaigning ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Texas Democrat James
Talarico makes his case to voters at a CNN Town Hall as he takes on Ken Paxton in what is a high-stakes Senate race. And rising costs in Donald
Trump's immigration policies are testing Cuban Americans' longtime loyalty to the Republican Party. More on the other side of this short break for
you.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, one of the most closely contested U.S. Senate races this year is playing out in Texas. Democrat James Talarico met with members of
the public at CNN Town Hall on Wednesday, hoping to win support from undecided voters.
Now, his race against Republican Ken Paxton is emerging as a key battle in the fight for control of the Senate, with Republicans working to hold on to
their majority. At Wednesday's event, Talarico made the cost of the war in Iran a key part of his argument. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAUL WULLER, COLLEGE STUDENT: Why should we focus our financials on foreign wars rather than our own citizens first?
JAMES TALARICO, U.S. SENATE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR TEXAS: Well, you know the real drain on our resources is this disastrous war in Iran. And it's
why I've called for this war to come to a close because not only is it costing us a billion dollars a day. Not only is it driving up gas prices
and diesel prices here at home, but it is also killing our brave men and women in uniform.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, still is Jeff Zeleny with more now on the town hall. Jeff's in Fort Worth, in Texas.
JEFF ZELENY, CNN CHIEF U.S. NATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: It was an extraordinary back and forth, not an ordinary town hall at all. A Senate
candidate, James Talarico, they're sitting literally across a table from some supporters, but from skeptics as well.
There was a fascinating segment called "Change My Mind". It was an opportunity for members of the audience to come and directly confront or
ask a question of the candidate. And one of the most interesting exchanges came on a question on the subject of abortion.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TALARICO: We're both Christians, and the Bible is silent on the issue of abortion. It means you and I both have to look at different scriptures to
try to come to a conclusion. But what I think we can do is actually come together on reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies and the number of
abortions.
Because if we treat this issue as a public health problem and not a culture war problem, then we can actually make progress together.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: And in real time, in the moment, Jodi Hunt, the voter there, sitting across the table from Talarico, disagreed with him. She said that
she believes that abortion is wrong.
[09:15:00]
It is in the Bible, in her view. She said it's in the 10 Commandments thou shall not kill. But after the town hall, our colleague Erin Burnett asked
her what she thought of the exchange, and she said this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JODI HUNT, TEXAS VOTER: I found a more balanced politician. I was surprised at how centrist he was on many of the issues. And I think that has brought
me to a deeper understanding. It's caused some things for me to think. Well, let me rethink that, and let me, you know. And I liked his. I liked
that he responded to me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: So, what was so interesting and different about this town hall? It was an opportunity to hear from undecided voters and Independents and
Republicans as well. Now, it's an open question how many of these James Talarico can put in this coalition he is trying to build, but it does
underscore what he is trying to do here in his race with Ken Paxton.
Now, Ken Paxton is the Texas Attorney General. He has a long string of controversies. He was impeached by the Texas House, not convicted by the
Senate, but really was not the nominee that many Republican leaders were looking for. That's why this race is so competitive and so expensive.
So, the bottom line to all of this, yes, James Talarico was clearly trying to correct and clean up some of his previous comments when he was a state
legislator in Austin. But he said, look, he is not too liberal for Texas.
Of course, voters will decide that. He is announcing this morning, though, that he had a record fundraising in the third quarter, raising some $64
million an eye-popping figure. However, Republicans still have an overwhelming spending advantage on ads here in Texas.
ANDERSON: That's Jeff in Texas for you. Well, long before President Donald Trump won Florida in 2024, the state's Cuban Americans were loyal
Republican voters. But now, just weeks before critical midterm elections, rising costs and immigration policies are fueling discontent among this key
constituency. CNN's Carolina Peguero talked to people in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, and filed this report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BARBARA LLUIS, CUBAN AMERICAN REPUBLICAN VOTER: Trump promises a lot, like everyone else, but when it comes down to it, nobody does anything. They say
what people want to hear.
SANTIAGO CASAMAYOR, CUBAN AMERICAN UNDECIDED VOTER: Everyone is complaining about the same thing, rent. Housing is very expensive, and so are interest
rates.
CAROLINA PEGUERO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They are Cuban American voters from Little Havana in Miami, where in Florida's 27th district,
President Donald Trump won by nearly 15 points in 2024. But today, the high cost of living, inflation, and Trump's recent policies are causing
discontent among some voters, but will this dissatisfaction matter in the midterm elections?
MAGALY CIERRA A, CUBAN AMERICAN REPUBLICAN VOTER: Honestly, I like Trump, but he has done some things I don't like. And he still hasn't gotten things
done with Cuba.
PEGUERO (voice-over): Here, Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar is seeking re-election against Democrat Elliot Rodriguez. Among young
voters like these students at Miami Dade College, the economy is also a major concern.
PAISLEY HERRERA, YOUNG VOTER: Right now, the economy it's very bad. I mean, the gas prices they've gone up to like almost $7 here. And grocery stores
like a lot of food isn't affordable.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I work two part-time jobs, and I still can't afford to live by myself.
DANIELA CREATZO, YOUNG VOTER: You still continue to raise our rent, and for one, because nothing changes, the maintenance is the same, our utilities is
the same. So, I really don't understand what the point is.
PEGUERO (voice-over): Nearly three out of every four residents in District 27 are Hispanic, according to an NBC News and Telemundo poll, 69 percent of
registered Latino voters in the United States disapprove of the president's performance. Salazar, who has supported the president, has also distanced
herself from some of his immigration policies. She challenged him directly by posting this video.
REP. MARIA ELVIRA SALAZAR (R-FL): Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far.
PEGUERO (voice-over): Criticizing Trump has also drawn criticism from some voters in her own district.
CIERRA A: Maria Elvira Salazar is someone I thought was different, but her true colors came up. I don't like that she is fighting Trump over the deal
he's making with Cuba.
PEGUERO (voice-over): We requested an interview with Salazar, but so far, it has not been possible to arrange one. Meanwhile, Democrat Elliot
Rodriguez, a former news anchor, is trying to unseat Salazar. We spoke with him in front of Miami's iconic Freedom Tower, where thousands of Cuban
refugees were received in the 1960.
ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR U.S. HOUSE: Our constitution is in danger. Our right to due process is in danger, and even the truth is in
danger.
[09:20:00]
And that's what I dedicated my career to, is telling the truth, being honest, and just delivering facts so that people can make up their minds
based on reality, not what's happening now. It's so distressing.
PEGUERO (voice-over): And that is one of the questions here in District 27, will what these voters think about Trump today also influence how they vote
for Congress? Carolina Peguero, CNN, Little Havana.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Well, for plenty of people across the world, weight loss medication has been touted as a miracle drug. But for the 3.9 million
people globally suffering from anorexia nervosa, GLP-1s pose a potential threat to their health. This is a really important story. My colleague Anna
Cooban has been investigating. She joins us now from London. Anna, you've what have you found?
ANNA COOBAN, CNN BUSINESS & ECONOMIC REPORTER: Well, Becky, I've spent the past few months talking to people suffering with anorexia, people with a
history of the disorder. And also, doctors and eating disorder specialists who've told me that they're seeing sharp rises in the numbers of people who
are able to access these weight loss drugs online via telehealth platforms.
Now, this is an industry that's boomed over the past few years, due in no small part to these drugs, and the ease of availability is the real issue
here. Many people can go onto some of these websites, fill out a questionnaire saying, no, I don't have a history of anorexia. Lie about
their weight.
I've been told in some instances of people who've submitted photos of themselves that have been doctored by AI to look larger than they are.
Essentially, it's very easy to get access to them, and of course, this is amazing for all the people that need these drugs. But it's disastrous for
people with anorexia, and so this report, Becky, goes into more detail about that.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AJ JASPER, CHICAGO RESIDENT: I felt oftentimes just like a zombie on these medications, and just kind of resigned to dying. Like I just was totally
apathetic and just in the darkest place of my life. I went into organ failure, and in January I was hospitalized. Even just trying to lift my
head out of the hospital bed to talk to the doctor was exhausting.
COOBAN (voice-over): GLP-1s have been hailed by many as miracle drugs, but for AJ Jasper, who's battled anorexia on and off for 30 years, they've been
a curse.
COOBAN: Tell me more about how easy it was to get them online. Whether or not you ever had to speak to a doctor, what were you asked for?
JASPER: You know, I went on to one of the telehealth apps, I think the first one I went to was Hims, and it was just unprecedented how easy it was
to access these medications. I answered maybe a 10 questions survey. I never saw a doctor over the screen. There were some messages back and
forth, but they were somewhat automated.
And you know, I gave my credit card number, and within a couple days, the medication was sent directly to my house.
COOBAN (voice-over): Jasper's story is sadly one of many. Doctors tell CNN they've seen sharp rises in the numbers of anorexia patients buying weight
loss drugs. Many get them via telehealth sites, lying about their weight on online questionnaires.
Jasper lives in Chicago and has used several of these sites. He's only bought the cheaper, compounded or copycat versions of brands like Ozempic
and Mounjaro.
JASPER: They often send several vials, like it's not just one shot with the medication already in it. And you're able to self-dose however much of the
medication you feel like. Like there are instructions that are given, but you know if you're an addict, like I am, you know am not going to obviously
follow those directions, and I just thought the more the better.
COOBAN (voice-over): A spokesperson for him said that eating disorder screening is a mandatory part of its weight loss drug request process.
Every person seeking GLP-1 treatment is asked direct, specific questions about eating disorder diagnoses and behaviors. Any answer indicating
current or past disordered eating triggers additional clinical questions.
Closer provider review, and in many cases a referral to specialty eating disorder care off our platform. Him said it regularly checks in with
patients to spot any problems during treatment. Jasper said he simply ignored any emails.
I visited Orri, an eating disorder clinic in London, where many patients say they have taken GLP-1s.
COOBAN: So, a lot talked about this quieting of the food noise. Can you tell me a bit about that and how that, the impact that has on somebody with
anorexia?
DR. JOANNA SILVER, LEAD PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST, ORRI: So, someone with anorexia will often think about food a lot of the day. So, what am I going
to eat? Is this too much? Guilt after eating, fears about food.
[09:25:00]
And people who have been on these drugs report that the noise goes, which of course feels very, very appealing. The problem is, is that the person
with anorexia doesn't learn how to manage these thoughts themselves, instead they're just silenced.
COOBAN: It's not surprising that some people with anorexia or a history of the disorder would try to access these drugs. That was inevitable, but that
a multi-billion-dollar industry has made it so easy for them to do so, that was not.
JASPER: If there had been a doctor that intervened, if there was a doctor through the telehealth app that required lab work, blood work, and they
were able to see like these medications were really harmful for me, the medication would have stopped being prescribed.
COOBAN (voice-over): Jasper is hoping there'll be policy change, such as rules making a video consultation with a doctor a mandatory part of getting
a prescription online across the United States. For now, though, he thinks there's a long way to go.
JASPER: It's just the wild, wild west out there.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOBAN: So, Becky, as you can see there, this is a very difficult time for people with anorexia or a history of the disease. And I've been speaking
with them over the past few months, and they said to me that really, they really feel like we've gone back in time. Remember the body positivity
movement of the 2010s?
That did some good in helping people manage their body image. But now we're back to a place where skinny is in. It is the fashion, and celebrities are
endorsing GLP-1s. Many of them are shrinking themselves, and people suspect they might be taking them. Family and friends are on GLP-1s.
And so and so they're very easy to access as well. This onslaught of advertisements, particularly in the United States, where rules around
pharmaceutical advertising are particularly permissive. So, we really need to be supporting this group of people in this time, Becky.
ANDERSON: Yeah, really important stuff. Thank you very much indeed, and a good one in the house for you. All right, up next on "Connect the World"
with me, Becky Anderson, the start of trading on Wall Street, and the business news headlines, including the latest on how the regional
instability here is impacting the wider global economy. And a new twist in the battle between two tech giants over the future of AI.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back. I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi, and you are watching "Connect the World". And the folks there have the New York Stock
Exchange getting ready to ring in the trading day this Thursday. A miserable session yesterday. Tech stocks sort of falling out of bed.
[09:30:00]
We've had an interesting session in Asia in what would be the overnights in the U.S. Let's just listen into the bell. And we'll take a look at how the
DOW is trading out of the gate. And a positive start, and that was indicated by the futures market.
Could be described as a relatively robust start, to be honest, given the tech sell-off, which, as I say, are nerved investors in Asia earlier. All
the IMF warning that Gulf economies won't return to pre-war growth levels any time soon. The fund says a prolonged war in the Middle East and further
disruptions to energy production, shipping routes, and critical infrastructure pose major risks to the economies across the region.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIHAD AZOUR, IMF DIRECTOR FOR MIDDLE EAST AND CENTRAL ASIA: The outlook depends critically on how quickly energy production and trade normalize,
and on countries' ability to preserve macroeconomic stability.
The most important risk is a more prolonged conflict, further disruption to energy production, shipping routes, or critical infrastructure would weaken
activity in the Gulf exporters, while increasing inflationary pressure and placing additional strain on fiscal and external positions across the
region.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: While the economic risks extend beyond the war itself, growing concerns over a global bond market sell-off could push borrowing costs
higher. Of course, adding pressure on Gulf governments, making it more expensive for countries across the region to fund new spending on mega
projects and refinance debt.
Well, the impacts on the global fuel markets, underscored by the IEA, which has warned that diesel supplies could remain tight well into 2027, with
elevated prices and shortages threatening to drive costs up further for businesses and for consumers.
Well, globally elevated fuel prices having a huge impact, of course, on people's pockets in the U.S. petrol prices are at record highs, with prices
above four bucks on the gallon for more days this year than ever before, and we are only in October. Meanwhile, the U.S. average diesel prices broke
$6 a gallon for the first time ever last month, and have carried on rising.
Well, U.S. wholesale inflation surged to its highest level in more than four years last month, up 1.3 percent versus August and 6.3 percent
compared to a year ago. Breaking it down by category, it was diesel rocketing 115 percent while gasoline spiked 64 percent. It's the second
hotter than expected inflation reading in two days, and only adds to concerns about the economy ahead of the midterms.
Well, there are some more positive signals for this region where I am, the Gulf and Middle East. Nvidia has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the
Gulf, saying that the Iran conflict has not changed its plans for AI and infrastructure investment in the region. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUTH BERRY, NVIDIA GLOBAL POLICY LEAD: I think while the risk profile may change or timelines may shift, that imperative to move forward we still see
happening at pace. I mean, I think we have Nvidia's ecosystem. We work with over 1000 startups in the Middle East and over 100,000 developers across
the ecosystem, and we continue to see the plans to grow.
There's neo-clouds. We see large ones in UAE, KSA, Turkey, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. And a lot of use cases both in the energy,
public sector, financial services, telco, and so I think the innovation and the drive to build out this technology is continuing. Obviously, everyone
has to deal with geopolitical realities when it comes to timelines and deployments, but I don't think we've seen a shift in the desire to continue
to build this out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: It was a tech-led sell-off that led stock markets lower in Asia on Thursday, with worries about the AI build out and lower than expected
earnings forecasts, which sent investors somewhat running for cover. And here is how the tech stocks the major seven, are trading right now on Wall
Street.
And I'm afraid most of those stocks taking a lead from those Asian markets. Alphabet off 1 percent for example. Nvidia actually off nearly three. You
got Tesla there off some 2.5 percent. Apple, the outstanding stock today, as far as these Tech Seven majors are concerned, up just over 1 percent.
[09:35:00]
Well, OpenAI is accusing a former employee of stealing confidential information about an unreleased device and sharing it with Apple. The
company alleges the employee, who it says previously worked for Apple, downloaded more than 100 sensitive files before returning to work for his
former employer.
Excuse me, Apple says it has found no evidence to support these claims. Well CNN's Clare Duffy joining us now with more. This is a story that has
been sort of moving now for what 48, 72, hours, and it's becoming clear what exactly OpenAI is accusing this former employee of sharing with Apple.
So, just explain.
CLARE DUFFFY, CNN TECH REPORTER: Yeah, Becky. Well, this the context here is that this comes as both of these companies are racing along with much of
the industry to create the next big device for the AI era. And they have been engaged in what has become this back and forth over allegations of
trade secrets theft.
Apple over the summer filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing a former Apple employee of taking trade secrets to OpenAI, including materials
related to gadget manufacturing. Now, OpenAI has filed a document in that same case accusing a former employee of taking its trade secrets to Apple,
and so let me just break down these allegations for you.
This former employee that OpenAI is concerned about here had worked at Apple, came to OpenAI for about six months, and then went back to Apple.
And OpenAI is alleging that that person downloaded 100 plus confidential files, as you said, Becky, including details about its OpenAI's unreleased
device, shared them with Apple.
There's a quote in here that said that former employee made a presentation about OpenAI's product plans to Apple senior leadership, including Apple's
vice president of operations in Asia. Now, as you said, Becky, Apple is denying this. They say there is no evidence that this employee took
materials from OpenAI.
And Apple says that it has strict policies in place to ensure that new employees don't take materials from former employers. But I think you get a
sense both of just sort of the Silicon Valley culture here. How these in- demand employees can bounce back and forth between these companies because there is this race to create the next big gadget for the AI era, Becky.
ANDERSON: Good to have you. Thank you very much indeed. All right, we're going to take a very short break. Back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: New York City's council is expected to vote this month to ban horse-drawn carriages. Concerns about rider safety and animal welfare are
driving the initiative. CNN's Brynn Gingras has the story.
[09:40:00]
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just like the idea of a carriage, like it's like a princess. It's like princess treatment all around the big city.
BRYNN GINGRASS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's an iconic New York City moment, a horse-drawn carriage ride around Central Park.
AHMET BILICI, CARRIAGE HORSE DRIVER: Are we ready, ladies?
GINGRASS (voice-over): But now it's on track to be part of the Big Apple's past, with New York City set to ban the attraction for good.
BILICI: This is a very popular attraction. is one of the best things for New York City.
GINGRASS (voice-over): Ahmet Bilici has been holding the reins for more than two decades. He, along with other drivers, are furious about the ban
that would force their horses into retirement and take away the only jobs they know.
BILICI: I don't have a house. I don't have a car. I don't have. I have only horse carriage and horses over. This is my life over here.
GINGRASS (voice-over): The clash over carriages isn't new. They've drawn the ire of animal rights activists for years, and a ban has been considered
by the city at least a half a dozen time before. The most recent attempt comes after an 18-year-old tourist died after being thrown from a runaway
horse-drawn carriage last summer. It's believed to be the first known death associated with a carriage ride since the tours began.
GINGRASS: Was that the catalyst for actually making this seem like it's going to move forward this time?
CHRISTOPHER MARTE, NEW YORK CITY COUNCILMAN: I think it put a spotlight on what has been happening. There's been a lot of close calls. There's been
horse collapsing. There's been carriages that've been tipped over and drivers being taken out on a stretcher, but that was just a realizing
moment of saying enough is enough.
JULIE MENIN, NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER: To have 42 million people a year visit this great park in our wonderful city, but in a very crowded
area, these horse carriages were operating, and it just is not sustainable anymore.
GINGRASS (voice-over): The proposal, supported by Mayor Zohran Mandadi, set to be voted on next week, promises to help the concerned drivers find new
work.
ZOHRAN MAMDANI, NEW YORK MAYOR: I think that we have a civic responsibility to ensure that we are not leaving anybody out to drive.
GINGRASS: You don't trust.
CHRISTINA HANSEN, CARRIAGE HORSE DRIVER: I mean, like, yeah. Well, the city doesn't follow their own mandates all the time. This is how I've chosen to
spend my life: is with these magnificent horses. I love horses. I love history. You know, but then to say like, oh, we'll plug and play. We'll
find you. We'll refer you to jobs somewhere. It'll be fine. You know, it's like no, it's not fine.
GINGRASS (voice-over): If passed, the ban will take effect in June 2028.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think I'd be really sad if it was something I wanted to do and then we came and it was gone. You know, so I'm glad that I'm
getting to do it.
GINGRASS (voice-over): So, for now, tourists are still capturing that classic New York City moment. Brynn Gingrass, CNN, Central Park.
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ANDERSON: Right. OK. Well, Manchester City were back at the Etihad on Wednesday for the first time since these talks about their finances blew
up, but it wasn't necessarily a happy return. All eyes were on the pitch, but the two-time defending champions PSG turned up and showed why they are
favorites to take the trophy once again. That's "World Sport". After this short break, I'm back with more news in 15 minutes with "Connect the
World".
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