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The Brief with Jim Sciutto

Power Slowly Returns To Spain And Portugal; Canadians Vote Amid U.S. Tariff And Takeover Threats; Russia's Three-Day Ceasefire In Ukraine; N. Korea Acknowledging Sending Troops To Russia; Trump's Approval Lower Than Any President In First 100 Days; White House Seeks To Keep Attention On Immigration; Kashmir Attack Aftermath. Aired 6-7p ET

Aired April 28, 2025 - 18:00   ET

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

[18:00:00]

LYNDA KINKADE, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. I'm Lynda Kinkade in for Jim Sciutto. You're watching

"The Brief."

Just ahead this hour, plunged into darkness. Still no official word on what caused a massive power outage across Spain, Portugal, and parts of France.

But power is slowly returning. The Spanish grid operator said 60 percent of the country's power was lost within five seconds. 99 days since returning

to office, and CNN poll shows only 39 percent of Americans approve of President Donald Trump's handling of the economy. Canadians are choosing

their next leader in an election overshadowed by the U.S. tariff and annexation threats. And we catch up with a woman saving cheaters from

extinction as she celebrates 50 years of conservation. All that are much more coming up.

But first, power is being slowly restored across Spain and Portugal after a major blackout on the Iberian Peninsula. It sparked widespread

cancellations at airports and train stations. Cars on the road were brought to a standstill as traffic lights went out. Some residents flocked to

supermarkets to stock up on basic essentials.

Almost half of Spain's power supply has now been restored. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says the cause is still unknown.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PEDRO SANCHEZ, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER (through translator): We still don't have conclusive information about the reasons for this outage. So, I ask

the public, as we have done in past crises, to seek information through official channels. It's best not to speculate. We'll find out the causes.

We are not ruling out any hypothesis. But now, we must focus on what's most important, restoring power to our homes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KINKADE: In Portugal, electricity has been restored to 750,000 customers, according to the country's power operator. The mayor of the capital,

Lisbon, urges people to stay calm.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARLOS MOEDAS, LISBON, PORTUGAL MAYOR: We don't have any information about any kind of attack. And we should be very careful because it can be just a

technical issue. But of course, a technical issue that never happened before. So, I understand that people can be a little bit scared by the

situation, but the city is working, the people are working, the transportation is working, the hospitals are working. And so, I just ask

people to keep calm and serene. That's very important at this moment.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KINKADE: Well, Simon Gallagher is the managing director at U.K. Network Services, a consultancy specializing in energy. Good to have you with us.

SIMON GALLAGHER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, U.K. NETWORKS SERVICES: Hello.

KINKADE: So, Simon, this has been dragging on for over 10 hours, impacting people in three countries with no clear obvious reason. Why is it taking so

long to restore power?

GALLAGHER: Well, this has never happened before in Europe. So, it is a catastrophic failure that's happened in Spain and Portugal. And just to put

it into perspective, you know, this is likely to take into tomorrow to resolve. The closest things happened to this was actually in the United

States back in 2002 when there was that park cut up around Canada and New York, it's all that scale. So, this is a catastrophic failure across Spain

and Portugal. And really, it will go on until tomorrow at the very earliest.

KINKADE: And the reason for this, Simon, remains a mystery, right? No one seems to know what could have caused such a power outage across three

countries, as well as connection issues for both phone and internet networks.

GALLAGHER: Yes. I mean, the first thing to say is this should not happen. The grid has got all sorts of systems built in to stop these things

happening. So, every day there's problems on the electricity grids worldwide, but they're all built to contain that. So, something

catastrophic has failed.

We're beginning to look -- get some reasons behind it. So, we do know tonight that there was a problem with the interconnector cables between

Spain and France. Now, internationally, Spain isn't that well connected to the rest of Europe the way some other countries are? So, those cables have

only got a capacity of about four megawatts. Spain lost 15 megawatts during this incident, which is about half their entire grid.

[18:05:00]

So, that isn't the reason, but it's probably one of the reasons of why this has went so catastrophically wrong.

KINKADE: So, I mean, just talk to us about the extent of this issue, like your initial assessment of why it is so widespread.

GALLAGHER: Well, it is huge. Like I said, this has never ever happened in Europe before. Every day there's problems on the grid. Every day we have

faults. We have problems. Back in the U.K., where I'm based, in 2019 we had something that could have caused this where we had a couple of power

stations that tripped at the same time. Our grid reacted by sacrificing certain parts of itself, so it actually shared load. And what that means is

that, that protects the rest of the grid.

Now, this did not happen in Spain. Spain has got the exact same protections built in as all the other grids, including the U.K. grid. So, what should

happen in Spain is you've got -- you might have a problem, and it could be a big problem. So, a big power station could trip, or a big interconnector

could feel, but that should be contained to a small part. And if it starts to spread, the system should shut parts of it down to protect everyone

else, but that cascade has went through the entire system.

And really, to lose half their grid, which is what they lost, they lost half their entire grid in five seconds. It's so fast. It's so central to

the country. It's so widespread that, you know, something catastrophic has went wrong or multiple catastrophic things have went wrong all at the same

time, but this is very rare. And it's so rare that, you know, really, to put it back together again, it will take days, it could even take a week

depending on how things go.

KINKADE: Wow. Simon Gallagher, good to get perspective from you. Thanks so much. We will have more on this story throughout the hour.

Well, we want to turn now to Canada where people are voting in a federal election, which has been overshadowed by tariffs, annexation threats by

U.S. President Donald Trump, and of course, the deaths of 11 people who were killed when an SUV driver plowed through a Filipino street festival in

Vancouver. Dozens -- more people were injured. Police say the suspect in the Saturday attack had a history of mental health issues.

And that tragedy comes amid tensions between the U.S. and Canada over the tariffs and the suggestion by President Trump to make Canada the 51st U.S.

state. Well, that idea has enraged Canadians of all political stripes. This election so far is shaping up to be a tight race between Canada's liberal

and conservative parties.

CNN's Paula Newton is following the election and joins us now from Ottawa. Good to have you with us, Paula. So, Donald Trump is not running into this

election, but certainly, he is having an impact. Talk to us about how the threat of tariffs and annexation is weighing on the minds of voters there.

PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's been really one of the only things that's top of mind, Lynda. And the reason is that it is such an existential

threat. Like when you talk about other issues that are important to Canadians, things like affordability, healthcare, all of that leads back to

the relationship with the United States, at least it has in the past.

But also, Lynda, you have to think even this morning, the president, again posting on Truth Social the fact that Canada should just become the 51st

state, inserting himself in the election, acting as if he was a person who was on the ballot. He is very much on the ballot right now, but not in the

way most people would think.

I mean, Lynda, I just returned from a polling station and I ask people, you know, in terms of not how they were voting but why they were voting. And

almost universally they told me they were voting because they believe this time around this election is so important to each and every Canadian in

order to deal with the threats coming from the south. It is something that is completely unprecedented. And right now, when you even look at the

polls, Lynda, that is also unprecedented.

Mark Carney really in a tight race with Pierre Poilievre. Mark Carney, the leader of the Liberal Party, a party that was on its knees just five months

ago when it was led by Justin Trudeau. And now, Pierre Poilievre was leading by such a wide margin, again, five months ago, and is now in the

fight of his life if he wants to become prime minister. We await the results in the coming hours. And again, as I said, Canadians feeling that

this election more than so many others, so much more important and the stakes are much higher.

KINKADE: Yes, they certainly are. And, Paula, what can you tell us about Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the new Democratic Party. He, of course,

attended the Filipino cultural event in Vancouver before that car ramming attack.

[18:10:00]

NEWTON: Yes. You know, it was with such emotion that he addressed this issue. So, on Saturday evening when the suspect -- really, it was

devastating, Lynda, what more can you say about it. It has shaken, not just Vancouver, but the entire country. And clearly, shaken Jagmeet Singh.

Now, he is the leader of the NDP Party. He had been at this event. He had seen the families and the children that just moments later were fighting

for their lives. He ended up really changing a lot of his campaign in the final day on Sunday. He was out there today trying to encourage voters.

He's from British Columbia, and that certainly stuck to the very heart of what he means to be a politician for him when he saw this happening to the

community.

I will say that all the leaders showed uncommon emotion on the campaign trail on Sunday. And again, when we consider what police tell us happened

here, that this is someone who was in a mental health crisis, this is, again, reminding Canadians of the kinds of social issues that so many

communities are grappling with. And through this selection, they really want to see more action. Certainly, Jagmeet Singh echoing that on the

campaign trail today when he was voting.

KINKADE: All right. We will wait to see those exit polls coming in the coming hours. Paula Newton, thanks so much for joining us.

Well, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a unilateral three-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The Kremlin says the pauses in fighting will start on

May 8th to coincide with the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

The move is being met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials who say the Kremlin should immediately accept a longer truce proposal from the U.S. Our

Frederik Pleitgen is tracking these developments from Moscow.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A once concealed relationship now celebrated by the Kremlin. Russian state

media releasing this video of North Korean troops training inside Russia shooting rifles and firing grenade launchers after Vladimir Putin. Praised

the North Korean troops for helping Moscow oust Ukrainian forces from Russia's Kursk region.

Congratulations to the entire personnel, all soldiers and commanders on the success and victory, Putin said, thank you for your courage, heroism, and

service to our Fatherland and the people of Russia.

Even though Kyiv claims they still have forces inside the Kursk region, Russia and North Korean soldiers were pictured celebrating together after

taking back one of the last Ukrainian held villages. Putin personally thanking North Korean strongman Kim Jong-un for supporting Russia's

military efforts.

Moscow and Pyongyang have dramatically expanded their military and economic ties in the past years. Putin receiving a hero's welcome when he visited

North Korea in 2024. North Korean TV now, for the first time, acknowledging Kim Jong-un personally ordered his forces to help the Russians on the

battlefield.

Under the order of the head of state, the subunits of the armed forces of the Republic regarded the territory of Russia as one with their country,

and proved the firm alliance between the two countries, North Korea and Russia, state TV says -- citing North Korea's central military commission.

And Putin says, the victory in Kursk could set the stage for further military advances, while also declaring a unilateral ceasefire from May 8th

until May 11th.

PLEITGEN: Vladimir Putin's unilateral ceasefire is set to go into effect around the celebrations commemorating 80 years since the defeat of Nazi

Germany. But it also goes into effect as President Trump's diplomatic initiative seems to be hitting a roadblock.

PLEITGEN (voice-over): While the Russians say they're ready for direct talks with Kyiv any time without preconditions, with no peace deal in sight

President Trump now acknowledging his efforts to end the conflict are struggling.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you trust President Putin?

DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: I'll let you know, in about two weeks.

PLEITGEN (voice-over): The Russians say they too want an end to the conflict, but the Kremlin has vowed they won't sign onto any agreement that

could hurt what the Kremlin says are Russia's core national interests.

Fred Pleitgen, CNN. Moscow.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KINKADE: Well, still ahead, it's one of the most consequential and divisive first 100 days in modern presidential history. We'll discuss the mood of

Americans as President Trump prepares to mark a symbolic milestone.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[18:15:00]

KINKADE: Welcome back to "The Brief." A mixed start to the trading week on Wall Street. The Dow and the S&P clawing their way back from earlier losses

to finish in the green. The NASDAQ fell modest -- modestly, and all this ahead of a challenging few days for stocks.

Investors hoping to see real progress in trade negotiations soon. The White House saying Monday that talks with the U.K. are going well. We'll also get

big earnings from the likes of Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. And at the end of the week, the latest U.S. jobs report. NVIDIA was the number one

big tech underperformer on Monday. Shares falling 2 percent, reports that China's Huawei is developing an A.I. chip to rival NVIDIA's high-end

processors.

Well, Tuesday marks President Trump's 100th day in office. And a new CNN poll shows Americans are not happy. His approval rating is at 41 percent,

the lowest for a newly elected president at this stage in at least seven decades.

Out of a whole host of issues, only one saw Mr. Trump narrowly in the positive, a slim 51 percent approval of his handling of gender identity and

trans people. His approval rating also sinking on the economy and tariffs after his tariff announcement sent the stock market into a nose dive. Even

on immigration, one of his signature policies, the president is underwater.

Our Stephen Collinson joins me now for more on all of this. So, good to have you with us, Stephen. So, it's the eve of 100 days of Trump in office,

his second term, and his ratings, according to our latest poll, are terrible, lowest in almost over seven decades. It's a strong contrast to

what we saw when he entered office. Just explain why.

STEPHEN COLLINSON, CNN POLITICS SENIOR REPORTER: I think a lot of this has to do with the style of Trump and the radical transformation he's trying to

affect at home and abroad. There is a tradition, at least in modern presidents of new presidents or even second term presidents over reading

what they see as their mandate in the previous election.

It was pretty clear that Americans in November, 2024, they voted for a president who they thought could bring down grocery prices, to alleviate

some of the financial stress that they were facing, and the most signature policy that the president has adopted, adopting a tariff war, starting

trade wars with other countries, looks like it's going to put prices up.

So, I think there is a fundamental disconnect there between what the president thinks he wants to do and what a lot of the country asked him to

do when they elected him.

[18:20:00]

Having said that, even as you pointed out on one of his most traditionally popular issues, immigration, he's also underwater. Now, I think there's a

lot of support in the country on the idea that the Biden administration didn't do enough to secure the southern border. Some of the policies the

president has started to adopt the mass deportations stretching the rule of law in immigration and elsewhere, I think is also combining to wither away

a lot of the independent support and untraditional Republican voters that Trump got in November last year, including some more minorities than

Republicans usually get, more younger male voters Republicans usually attract. So, there's a lot of factors.

But I think the rather extreme nature of Trump's leadership is perhaps not what voters wanted as they went through the campaign last year.

KINKADE: Yes. And it's interesting, Stephen, when you look at the CNN poll verse, other polls that have been done, whether from CBS or Fox or The

Washington Post, they're all quite similar and that they all show that on - - mostly -- most Americans really don't approve of his handling of the economy, right?

COLLINSON: Yes. The economy has always been one of Trump's strongest points. If you go to Trump rallies, I've been to many of them, and you ask

people about why they support President Trump. They always mention sooner or later the fact that this guy is a great businessman. He under

understands the economy. Even though some of this was perhaps mythology and dates from his time on "The Apprentice," on NBC, this view is very powerful

among people that vote for Trump.

And I think there's also some nostalgia, or there was last year, at least for the pre-pandemic economy in Trump's first term. So, that was, I think,

very important in getting him re-elected.

If he's, you know, such low numbers on the economy right now, after only three months in office and the full impact of the tariffs and the rising

prices that we expect have not yet come into force, you do wonder how low he can go. I mean, he's really right now 41 percent. That's about the size

of Trump's traditional loyal devoted base.

And I think a follow-on question to that is, what -- how does Trump respond to this? A normal president might change course. Trump obviously doesn't

have to seek reelection, he doesn't have to face voters, but Republicans do in just over a year's time in the November midterm elections next year. So,

there's going to be a lot of concern in Republican ranks, but Trump doesn't seem to be the kind of president who changes his mind.

In fact, he said in an interview with The Atlantic magazine that was published today, that I run the country and I run the world. And he seems

adamant that that's continued to be the case, at least in his own mind.

KINKADE: Yes, exactly. Especially when it comes to his views of blanket tariffs, right?

COLLINSON: Yep.

KINKADE: We'll leave it there for now. Stephen Collinson, I suspect we might talk again tomorrow. Thanks so much.

COLLINSON: Thanks.

KINKADE: Well, U.S. authorities raided what they described as an underground nightclub in Colorado on Sunday, taking into custody more than

100 people accused of being in the country illegally.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JONATHAN PULLEN, SPECIAL AGENT, DEA ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION: What was happening inside was significant drug trafficking, prostitution, crimes of

violence. We seized a number of guns in there. We had active-duty service members who were running security at the club and involved in some of these

crimes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KINKADE: Well, the DEA says hundreds of agents from more than 10 federal agencies participated in the raid. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on

social media, as we approach his 100 days in office, President Trump's directive to make America safe again is achieving results.

Well, it comes as the White House is seeking to keep attention on immigration on the 100-day mark coming up on Tuesday. CNN's Gustavo Valdes

has this look at his immigration policies under the Trump administration.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TRUMP: We built over 500 miles of border wall.

GUSTAVO VALDES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): One of U.S. President Donald Trump's main campaign promises --

TRUMP: It's got to stop and we've got to have the largest mass deportation effort in history we're going through.

VALDES (voice-over): Is perhaps one of his most successful so far, despite backlash from countries in Latin America and critics in the U.S.

TRUMP: That's a good one. Birthright.

VALDES (voice-over): After Trump ordered the U.S. military to secure the border and assist with mass deportations, Colombia's president, Gustavo

Petro, refused to allow two military planes carrying deportees to land in his country because he didn't like seeing migrants in shackles as they were

being transported.

But Petro ended up sending a presidential plane to retrieve his citizens after the U.S. briefly imposed tariffs on Colombian import sanctioned

government officials and suspended consular services. But some policies so far are not working out as planned.

[18:25:00]

The notorious Guantanamo Bay Prison in Cuba known for housing many terrorists from the September 11 attacks is now also being used as an

immigration detention center and must have eventually been deported to the country of origin or returned to the U.S. without explanation.

Back at home, President Trump's policies continue to face legal challenges even with a conservative majority, the Supreme Court ordered the Trump

administration to stop deporting some immigrants using the Alien Enemies Act so it can hear the case, an act that dates back to 1789 and has only

been used in time of war. It allows for the detention and quick deportation of foreign adult men considered a danger to the United States.

The Trump administration argues that members of international crime organizations like Tred de Aragua from Venezuela and MS-13 from El Salvador

in the U.S. illegally can be deported under the act. Some have claimed the government is detaining them without evidence, and many say they are

entitled to challenge their removal.

DAVID SUPER, PROFESSOR, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY: That's not what this law is. This law is for when the United States is at war. The administration is

arguing that it's the equivalent of a war, that we have problems with gangs and cartels. But the definition of war and invasion was very clear in 1798

when this law was passed, and that does not mean it.

VALDES (voice-over): And then there is the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian man deported to his country, even though an immigration judge

had ruled he shouldn't be. The U.S. admits it was a mistake, but his case has led to a standoff between Abrego Garcia's legal team, the courts who

ordered his return to the U.S., and the Trump administration's refusal to work to bring him back.

Gustavo Valdes, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KINKADE: Well, still to calm tensions between India and Pakistan remain high after last week's terror attack on tourists in Kashmir. We'll have the

latest on the investigation and fears of Indian retaliation.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[18:30:00]

KINKADE: Welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Lynda Kincade. Here are more international headlines we are watching today.

Electricity is gradually coming back on in Spain and Portugal after a massive power outage. The blackout led to major issues on the Iberian

Peninsula, bringing transport to a halt and disrupting flights. Almost half of Spain's power supply has now been restored.

Harvard University is expected to operate into summer without U.S. funding for research contracts and grants. A Boston judge today set a July 21st

date for oral arguments between America's oldest university and the Trump administration. Harvard contends more than $2 billion in funding was

illegally frozen. The university has refused the government's demands to change its academics and hiring practices.

The U.S. Navy has lost a $60 million jet at sea. The Super Hornet was being towed onto an aircraft carrier when it fell overboard. One sailor received

a minor injury. A U.S. official says it appears the carrier had made a hard turn to evade fire from Houthis Rebels leading to the jet falling into the

sea.

Tensions between Indian and Pakistan continue to rise after last week's deadly attack. Inside Indian administered Kashmir, India's Navy says it

carried out missile tests over the weekend in a show of strength. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting the assailants. Much about what happened

last Tuesday, including the motive for the attack remains unknown. Our Will Ripley has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILL RIPLEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On India's streets, Anger at Pakistan is burning. One spark away from a wider

explosion. India is flexing military muscle at sea. Pakistan warns a war if India threatens its water supply. A dangerous moment between nuclear armed

rivals, old wounds from decades of insurgency and three wars torn wide open. One of the deadliest attacks in years, an Indian administered

Kashmir.

We fled immediately after hearing gunshots, says Gopal Gupchan (ph). Gunman opened fire on sightseers in the remote Mountain Valley of Helga, 25 Indian

Citizens and a Nepali national dead. Police on the Indian side named three suspects, claiming two are Pakistani nationals without providing evidence.

They link the attack to a Pakistan-based Islamist group called Lashkar-e- Tayyiba.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Denies any involvement.

SHEHBAZ SHARIF, PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER: The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game.

NARENDRA MODI, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER: India will identify, threat and punish every terrorist.

RIPLEY (voice-over): India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi under growing pressure to strike Pakistan as rage fills India's streets.

Across the border, in Pakistan administered Kashmir, many are bracing for what may come next.

We are Muslims. We are peace loving, says Tarqeeb Ahmed. We don't promote terrorism.

India already suspended parts of a crucial water sharing treaty. Threatening to cut off a lifeline for Pakistan's farms and cities. Pakistan

is vowing to respond with force. As militaries posture, families suffer. India shut down a key border crossing, canceling visas for many Pakistanis,

causing fear among some Hindus, fleeing what they call religious persecution. Pakistan also limiting access for Indian citizens, tearing

families apart on both sides, like Anudha Imran, desperate to return to her husband and children.

Despite my daughters being Pakistani nationals, why am I not allowed to enter Pakistan? What have I done? How will my daughters live without me,

she says.

The playbook is grim and familiar. In 2019, a terror attack in Kashmir triggered Indian airstrikes inside Pakistan. The closest the two countries

came to all-out war in decades. Many fear this time could be even worse.

Will Ripley, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

[18:35:00]

KINKADE: Well, still come, a race against time? How one woman is trying to rescue vulnerable cheetahs and help the people who live near them. Our

conversation next.

Plus, hopping across the Pacific. Our Richard Quest flies a very special route linking remote island communities into Pacific. We'll have that story

next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KINKADE: Welcome back. I'm Lynda Kinkade. The number of wild cheetahs has fallen to less than 7,000. My next guest is racing to save them. Laurie

Marker is a zoologist and wildlife researcher who founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund after falling in love with a cub born in captivity.

She moved permanently to Namibia where she opened a center complete with a vet clinic and genetics lab and much more. And she's since expanded

operations, opening a second center in Somali land and reintroducing cheetahs to India where they had been extinct for some 70 years. Her goal

is helping cheetahs and humans thrive.

Well, Laurie Marker joins us now. Good to have you on the program.

LAURIE MARKER, FOUNDER, CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND: Hi. Great to be here. Thank you.

KINKADE: So, the cheetah is the fastest animal, land animal, but it is rapidly racing towards extinction. Just explain why.

MARKER: Well, their big issues are a lot of loss of habitat, like many of our animals, but also most of the cheetahs are found outside of protected

areas. They've got huge home ranges and that puts them in conflict with livestock and farmers. So, a lot of our programs really work with trying to

work together with the livestock ranchers so we can find harmony together.

KINKADE: And so --

MARKER: There's also problems with the illegal wildlife pet trade, which is the other big problem facing them.

KINKADE: Right. And, Laurie, I understand you were going to be a winemaker in Oregon.

MARKER: I was.

KINKADE: But those plants were derailed when you came across this cub that was rescued, a cheetah cub, in captivity. Just describe for us that moment

and how it changed the path of your life.

MARKER: Well, that was an awful long time ago. So, now -- 50 years ago, but I was a winemaker and then moved to wildlife because nobody knew anything

about cheetahs. And we had a wildlife park that had just opened, the Wildlife Safari in Oregon, and we were one of the few places in the world

breeding cheetahs and ended up taking this cheetah, Cayenne (ph), and teaching her how to hunt.

[18:40:00]

And that really started a lot of our work in trying to find out how humans can live in harmony with predators. And moved to Namibia 35 years ago to

set up our research center. Here we are showing working on one of the cheetahs. We put collars on them and we've really told the world how

cheetahs live and how we can live in harmony with them.

And that's really the big problem, is that we want to -- people are afraid of them outside, they are predators, and how we can be a part of this

system where a large predator lives. And cheetahs are not a dangerous animal. They're very fast. They're a very important hunter to the

ecosystem. And with that, a predator's role in the ecosystem is a very important part of maintaining biodiversity.

Most of the places where cheetahs live are some of the most arid landscapes in Africa. And so, we're working very closely in also working on combating

climate change and working on good livestock management and livelihood development.

KINKADE: And so, Laurie, as you mentioned, you've now been working in conservation for over five decades. You're on this 15-city tour to raise

awareness about the plight of the cheetah. So, why should people care?

MARKER: Well, I think that they should care for a few reasons. Number one, the cheetah is the most beautiful of all the 42 species of cats, but it's

also the fastest land animal. And what you do when you lose the fastest land animal? Well, that is not good because there is nothing like the

cheetah.

Beyond that, the cheetah does play an important role in the ecosystem. They maintain biodiversity where you've got a top predator, like the cheetah,

you have much more other species as well in the biodiversity. So, they're good for the ecosystem. And then, by having cheetahs on the land and having

other wildlife, we can then look at livelihood development and ecotourism, which is so important in Africa.

We work very closely with conservancies or community-based programs where the communities live in harmony with wildlife, and that's what we're doing

in Somaliland now too, is taking programs that we've developed in Namibia, like national parks or conservancy initiatives, and helping develop a place

for the cheetah to live there.

But we're also working in the other 20 countries, like India, where we put cheetahs back there a couple years ago. And just an exciting thing is just

a couple days ago we had a litter of five cubs born in Kune National Park in India.

KINKADE: Wow. That's excellent news. So, just overall, big picture, you've been in this for five decades. How has the population of the cheetah

changed over that period of time and what are your hopes for the next few decades?

MARKER: Well, we've seen it probably half, the populations. And our programs, we've tried to really scale them up from Namibia throughout the

cheetah's range, but making awareness for people to realize that this is a species that needs help. And I really encourage people to go to our

website, cheetah.org and learn more about how they can join in the work that we're doing.

We've got programs throughout the United States, programs around the world, as well as our programs in Africa to try to help work with people to allow

this animal to live for future generations. I see a scale up of our successes that we've had in Namibia, and I see community groups working to

save cheetahs. So, we're developing programs like our Livestock Guarding Dog programs where the dogs protect the livestock, and with that, then the

farmers don't have to kill predators, cheetahs, or other predators, like this dog here.

It's a Turkish breed of dog. We've been using this breed of dog for over 30 years in Namibia, and we see between 80 to 100 percent decrease of

livestock loss by having an Anatolian Shepherd or a Kangal dog, a Turkish dog. And so, we're sharing this kind of a program with people who are

working with predators, who are living with predators around the world.

So, many of these programs we've developed Future Farmers of Africa. We're teaching people to live on the land, having good livestock practices, land

management practices and wildlife management practices, and then a predator can actually be a part of that. And then, again, I want to say that

ecotourism is a very important part of this.

So, we welcome people over to Namibia. We welcome you to visit it at our center. We're outside of a town called Ochi Revongo (ph). So, do look us up

and come and visit. And come to Africa and learn how you can work together with communities and save our iconic wildlife for future generations.

KINKADE: Excellent. Sounds like a great opportunity for anyone looking for their next trip. Laurie Marker, executive director for the Cheetah

Conservation Fund. Thanks so much and all the best with your work.

MARKER: Thank you very much.

[18:45:00]

KINKADE: Well, now to a vital lifeline. Across the Pacific Islands and a crucial link to the outside world. Starting in Guam and ending in Honolulu,

United Flight 155 serves a unique route hoping -- hopping from island to island. And this route dates back to 1968. Richard Quest climbed aboard the

Island Hopper, as its affectionately known, and went behind the scenes.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN BUSINESS EDITOR-AT-LARGE AND CNN ANCHOR, QUEST MEANS BUSINESS (voice-over): The sound of music makes it clear, this will be a

special trip.

QUEST: Time to board.

QUEST (voice-over): And that's even before I've got on board.

QUEST: Morning. Good morning. Good morning, all.

QUEST (voice-over): As I step onto the plane, I know the rain in Guam will not dampen bright spirits.

QUEST: These are my colleagues and friends for the next year. How many hours?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 12.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 12 hours.

QUEST (voice-over): I'm promised better weather down route. The proper name for this Island Hopper is United 155. The flight takes 16 hours. It'll stop

at six islands on the way, connecting remote communities as we wind our way across the Pacific. There are four pilots on board, all choose to fly this

route, which has to have special regulations because it's so long.

JUSTIN SCHUCHAT, UNITED AIRLINES PILOT: This isn't like any other flight you can do back in the mainland where all the runways are two miles long

and you're on final approach for 20 miles, this is just very unique. As you can see, there's not a lot of other traffic out here. It's just us.

QUEST (voice-over): That much is clear as we make our first stop the island of Chuuk. It's a quick turnaround. Within 45 minutes, we are back in the

air. Next is Pohnpei. And then Kosrae, who are making good progress. Wherever we land, there's always a tremendous welcome picked up.

QUEST: What do I do with these?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Those are love sticks.

QUEST: Who am I marrying? Oh, hello. Welcome on board.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Can you marry me too?

QUEST (voice-over): The plane itself is a Boeing 737-800. Trustee and reliable. Even so, the Island Hopper crew has its own onboard mechanic who

must inspect the plane at each stop standing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's kind of like a flow, quality and the shape of the airplane, and we're on the island. So, we make sure we didn't hit any birds

when we're coming in. That's a common thing.

QUEST (voice-over): The friendliness and warmth of the Pacific Islands is everywhere.

QUEST: Hey.

QUEST (voice-over): As the passengers get on and off, I am reminded that UA155 and 154 are more than just going from A to B. Since 1968, these

flights have been a vital link for the Marshall and Mariana Islands.

JOHNSON ASHER, CONGRESSMAN, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA: A lot of people here rely on this airline to commute to Guan on one end and unite on Hawaii

on the other end.

QUEST (voice-over): OK. Six hours into our flight and I'm starting to lose count. Is this landing number three or number four?

QUEST: This is such good fun. ' QUEST (voice-over): And on this journey, there's a new definition to beverage service.

QUEST: So, we're now refueling and getting ready to go to the next stop, and the captain came up to me and gave me a drink.

Now, that's what you call in-flight service.

QUEST (voice-over): I have now crossed the international dateline and jumped back 24 hours. The sun is setting as we approach Hawaii and land in

Honolulu. What a journey.

QUEST: I'll just remember the warmth, the charming, the kindness. The Island Hopper has really served its practice.

Richard Quest, CNN, aboard the Island Hopper.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KINKADE: Our thanks to Richard Quest. Well, still ahead, 10 people accused of robbing Kim Kardashian. Almost nine years ago in Paris are finally on

trial. We'll have a preview of the high-profile case and whether Kardashian herself might testify, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[18:50:00]

KINKADE: Welcome back. I'm Lynda Kincade. Well, it remains one of the most shocking and infamous jewel heists in recent memory. Almost nine years ago

in Paris, reality TV star Kim Kardashian was tied up and robbed at gunpoint inside a discreet luxury hotel. 10 people are now on trial for the brazen

act that made headlines around the world. Our Melissa Bell Reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MELISSA BELL, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The theft of $10 million worth of Kim Kardashian's jewels here in Paris back in 2016 had

attracted a great deal of attention. Starting just behind me in the courthouse here in Central Paris, the trial that gets underway this Monday

is expected to attract a great deal more.

In the dock, nine men, one woman who were accused by the prosecution of having been behind the plot. What they allege is that they made their way

to the Central Paris Hotel where she was staying at the time, unguarded and alone in her hotel room at 3:00 a.m. dressed as policemen on foot and on

bicycle, and having overpowered the concierge then made their way up to her room.

What we know from interviews since then, given by Kim Kardashian and the court documents that have been presented here to the court is a great deal

more about the details of the ordeal through which she was put through, she was duct tape. A gun was held to her head. She says she believed she was

going to be raped and then killed.

In the end, after 10 minutes, they made off with a jewelry case that contained those nearly $10 million worth of jewels, including a $4 million

engagement ring that had been given to her by her then-husband, Kanye West. Almost all of the jewels remain missing at this stage. But the prosecution

believed they've pieced together the puzzle of how this group of men and one woman had, many of them with criminal convictions in the past, met in a

Paris Cafe tracked the social media star's diary and what she might have brought to her in -- to Paris in terms of jewels through her social media

accounts, and then plotted this brazen robbery.

We expect Kim Kardashian herself to be here in Paris on May 13th to testify, and the verdict should be expected by the end of the month.

Melissa Bell, CNN, Paris.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KINKADE: Well, eight of the defendants have denied charges against them in the case while the other two are pleading guilty to some charges but

denying others.

Well, time to change gears. We have some remarkable video now of a speedboat that flew into the air and flipped several times while going more

than 200 miles an hour. The Freedom One Racing team was trying to break a speed record on Arizona's Lake Havasu on Saturday. Wow. Incredible. Their

boat went airborne and started spinning before slamming into the water. Both men who were on the boat survived. However, they do have multiple

broken bones, as you'd imagine.

And this is what it looked like inside the boat. You can see this speedometer hit 210 miles an hour right before the boat flew into the air.

Well, finally, we have heard about power serves in tennis, but not much about power cuts. Take a look at this. The scene inside the Madrid Open

Tennis Tournament Monday during a match between Britain's Jacob Fearnley and Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov. The match was chugging along nicely, and

then the unexpected happened.

[18:55:00]

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've lost power says (INAUDIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We lost completely power.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not quite sure what he's referring to exactly. But there is an issue which needs fixing quickly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KINKADE: Not quick enough. The match had to be suspended along with the rest of the day's matches. It's just one of the many extraordinary

developments that took place Monday during the widespread power cuts that hit Spain, Portugal, and parts of France.

Well, thanks so much for your company. I'm Lynda Kincade at CNN's World Headquarters in Atlanta. You have been watching "The Brief." I'll see you

tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Stay with CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[19:00:00]

END