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Isa Soares Tonight
"Roving" ICE Patrols Can Continue in L.A.; Maduro Urging People to Enlist in the Country's Militia; London's Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 Evacuated; Russia's Largest Air Assault on Ukraine; 17 Killed in Nepal Protests. Aired 2:00-3p ET
Aired September 08, 2025 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[14:10:00]
ISA SOARES, HOST, ISA SOARES TONIGHT: Hello, and very warm welcome, everyone, I'm Isa Soares. First, I want to begin this hour with breaking
news. A terminal at London's Heathrow Airport has been evacuated. The airport has posted online on X that Terminal 4 has been evacuated while
emergency services responding to an incident.
Terminal 4, of course, is a very -- Heathrow, I should say, is a very busy terminal one airport, one of the busiest of -- in Europe, in fact, the
busiest in here in the U.K. Terminal 4 has some of the biggest airlines, just so, you know, Air France, Etihad, KLM, Gulf Air, Air Serbia, WestJet
and Brunei Airlines.
It serves as well lots of long haul and European Airlines. We're also learning this hour that firefighters, we've been told, are responding to a
possible hazardous material incident at Heathrow Airport. This is according to a spokesperson. So, if you're just joining us, breaking news coming out
of London, London's Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 to be exact, where authorities are saying that the airport has been evacuated basically,
they're responding to a possible hazardous material incident.
If you're in London today, you will know as well, there is a strike ongoing in London, lots of public transport are not working at the moment, but
we're keeping a close eye, of course, on one of London's busiest -- Europe's busiest airport and one of London's biggest airports. We'll keep
an eye on that, any more developments out of this breaking news out of London, we will, of course, bring that to your attention.
We're going to leave London for just a moment as we continue, our team continues to news gather on that front and turn our attention to France,
because in the last hour we've noticed, we've seen the country mired in turmoil, sliding deeper into political instability and facing an uncertain
future. A short time ago, the government collapsed when Prime Minister Francois Bayrou lost a confidence vote in parliament.
Now, he is expected to submit his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, setting the stage for the country's fifth Prime Minister in
less than two years. Bayrou called for the vote in an attempt to push through his unpopular budget proposals. It's a move that puts even more
pressure on Mr. Macron, who was already dealing with a deeply-divided parliament.
Our Melissa Bell is tracking this political turmoil live from Paris. And Melissa, and what a mess it is, right? Just talk us through the options
now, the political machinations here for President Macron.
MELISSA BELL, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Very limited in just a couple of words, Isa, ever more limited. Remember that this period of
political instability was born in June of last year, and at no point has it seemed tougher for the French President to have any hope that for the rest
of his second presidential term, he will either be able to cobble together the kind of government that might be strong enough to push through this
sort of budget cuts that are needed, or that he might see any kind of hope of pushing through any substantial proposals into the end of his term,
2027, remember, the next presidential election.
What we saw here tonight was a vote called by Francois Bayrou himself, the French Prime Minister had hoped to get some kind of consensus amongst MPs.
He'd been warning for weeks now that these budget cuts were urgent 44 billion euros, he was hoping to slash from the 2026 budget. He'd put his
proposals forward.
They involved things like cutting -- today is a national holiday, a deep unhappiness here in France at the prospect of that austerity budget. But
also, as you mentioned ago, a deeply-divided French National Assembly ever since those snap elections in the wake of the dissolution last year, left
at the center, substantially weakened.
The far-right and the far-left strengthened in terms of parliamentary numbers, and we'll be seeing over the course of the last few months is
three Prime Ministers drawn from the center now try and fail to govern without even managing to push through those budget cuts. The question now
for Emmanuel Macron, when we hear from him beyond Francois Bayrou's official tendering of his resignation, what he plans to do next.
One option, Isa, would be to name another centrist with the likely similar causes leading to the likely similar consequences, or to change tack and
go, for instance, and there's been a lot of speculation about this here in France for a Prime Minister who might be drawn from the political left in
the hope that there might be some stability and consensus there.
[14:15:00]
But clearly, another period of political instability ahead of us, and bear in mind, Isa, that we're going to hear from the streets again in France. It
had been a while. On Wednesday, there will be a day of industrial action, they're hoping to block the economy and there will be protests too, Isa.
SOARES: Melissa Bell for us in Paris this evening, thanks very much, Melissa. Let's continue the discussion with Rym Momtaz; who is the editor-
in-chief of "Carnegie Europe's Blog Strategic Europe".
Rym, good to see you, deja vu, right? Here we are again. You and I spoke about this on numerous occasions, but a fifth Prime Minister in two years
with clearly one goal, they had one goal, and that is passing a budget. Is there anyone out there who can command, do you think, Rym, the respect of
the parliament and get this through?
RYM MOMTAZ, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, CARNEGIE EUROPE'S BLOG STRATEGIC EUROPE: Isn't that the question? You know, it seems like Macron had this
opportunity actually a year ago when we last spoke about this kind of political crisis where he could have gone for a Prime Minister that was
more center-left-leaning and widened or attempted to widen the sort of coalition that he could rely on.
And he didn't go down that road because I think people have forgotten. But Bayrou threw a fit and kind of imposed himself as Prime Minister, and then
just basically did Harakiri and blew himself up. So, what we're seeing right now in France is really mind-boggling especially given the
geopolitical context we're all living in the world.
So, now the question is, how long is it going to take Macron to appoint a Prime Minister? It's taken him weeks in the past. He doesn't have weeks. He
really is on a time -- on a timer here. Is he going to go for, for example, the name that keeps coming back, which is his Defense Minister, but that's
a -- you know, someone who's very competent, obviously, but who is from the center and his own coalition party, or is he going to go for someone who is
from the center-left?
We'll see. Whatever he does, and this is -- I think the real tragedy of the situation today in France is that the political crisis this country is
going through is not about to end.
SOARES: Yes, and that's clear. So, you know, numerous occasions he's gone for a centrist, as Melissa Bell was talking about. Why doesn't he go for
someone on the left? Of course, where you and I were covering the elections, we know how the people voted here. So, why not go for the left,
because otherwise, who is to say that this is just going to keep on going?
MOMTAZ: i mean, you know, that's a question that he hasn't responded to yet. The last time there was an issue with the left because the socialists
had sort of attached themselves to the far-left, that was unacceptable actually to most in parliament. And they wouldn't have had a very stable
majority.
This time around, the socialists are being much more savvier and shrewder politically, and they have disconnected themselves from the far-left, and
they've positioned themselves in a much more constructive way that where they are signaling that they're willing to make the budgetary, financial,
fiscal compromises that, you know, this moment in time really calls for. Let's not forget that Fitch is supposed to give a new rating for --
SOARES: Yes --
MOMTAZ: France on Friday, and everything is expecting it to downgrade France.
SOARES: And Rym, like you said, this is a paralysis of his own making. So, talk us through, you think the political calculations for President Macron
and how, you know, how they may vote here, because this is incredibly fractious, of course, parliament.
MOMTAZ: So, if he calls a snap election, what we're seeing in the early polling is that it won't produce a more stable parliament with a better
majority, for example, that would be able to govern in a stable way for the next two years. So, now the question is, what does he do?
Does he, for example, throw a curve ball at everyone and he moves through a referendum or something like that to introduce proportional voting, and
then calls for election which would change a bit the final result and may actually produce at least another year-and-a half of -- you know, the last
year-and-a-half of his term in a way that would be more constructive.
Don't forget that Macron is right now very focused on his legacy. He is thinking about the fact that he has to leave in May 2027. He doesn't want
to leave with, you know, the country basically in tatters in terms of social and economic turmoil.
He also is very aware of the responsibility he has at the European level and at the global level, given the geopolitical turmoil we're all going
through, whether it's -- you know, the Trump administration's change in its behavior towards Europe, the trade war, but also Russia's increasing
belligerence toward Europe and even China's increasingly aggressive stance with -- toward Europe.
And you know, Macron is truly one of the standout leaders in Europe. But right now, he doesn't have the means of his ambition, which is a real
problem, not just for France, but for Europe.
[14:20:00]
SOARES: Yes, this is exactly when you need stability, yet we're seeing political paralysis, protests later this week. Fitch possibly downgrading
credit rating for France, all very politically corrosive moment, of course. Rym, as always, great to see you, thank you very much indeed. Now, you have
been warned. Get out. Those words from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issuing that ominous message to residents of Gaza city today.
He says the IDF has destroyed what he calls 50 terror towers there in just two days, calling it the beginning of intensified ground operations. The
high-rise building bombed today housed a local human rights organization. Israel says it was used by Hamas. Palestinian officials deny that, accusing
Israel of destroying civilian infrastructure to force people to leave.
Well, Israel is rejecting international pressure for a ceasefire as the death toll in Gaza soars past 64,000 amid a worsening famine. And Spain
just announced new measures to stop what it calls the genocide, including banning aircraft carrying weapons to Israel from entering Spanish airspace.
Listen to what Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said today about the war.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PEDRO SANCHEZ, PRIME MINISTER, SPAIN (voice-over): This is not self- defense. It's not even attacking. It's exterminating a defenseless people. It is a violation of all the laws of humanitarian law, and despite this,
the international community is unable to stop this tragedy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Well, the Israeli military also carrying out new military operations in the West Bank, warning of the most severe consequences after
the deadliest attack in Jerusalem in years. Israeli officials say two attackers opened fire on a crowded bus stop, killing at least six people.
The gunman was shot dead at the scene.
Police identified them as Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. Prime Minister Netanyahu says security forces are now encircling the attackers
villages and are pursuing suspects who may have aided them. The Palestinian Authority issued a statement condemning any targeting of civilians,
Israelis and Palestinians alike. Jeremy Diamond has more for you from Jerusalem.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Amid pops of gunfire, this crowded Jerusalem bus stop is thrown into chaos, sending
terrified Israelis running for their lives. Israeli authorities say two Palestinian gunmen opened fire here, killing at least six people during
rush hour. More than a dozen others were wounded in what authorities called a terrorist attack.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Suddenly, I started hearing a burst of gunfire. At first, small, and then it intensified. People were looking at each other,
trying to understand what was happening, but no one understood. Only maybe after 2 or 3 seconds, someone suddenly shouted, attack! And people started
running.
DIAMOND: This bus was damaged when the Israeli police say two terrorists opened fire on this crowded bus station in Jerusalem. You can see some of
the bullet holes that are still left in this bus. What authorities say is the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel in nearly a year.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was so hard to see all the people laying down in the street and the blood bleeding.
DIAMOND: Police are hailing an off-duty soldier and several armed civilians for returning fire almost immediately killing the shooters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowing Israel will deliver a harsh response and won't be deterred.
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PRIME MINISTER, ISRAEL (through translator): These murders, these attacks on all fronts, do not weaken our resolve. They only
increase our determination to complete the missions we've taken upon ourselves.
DIAMOND: Within hours, Israeli security forces began raiding several Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank that were home to the
attackers. Israeli police also arrested a resident of east Jerusalem for suspected involvement in the attack. In Jerusalem, six families have joined
this region's long list of mourners.
But at this bus stop, shards of glass are swept up, blood is washed away, and people return to their daily lives. Jeremy Diamond, CNN, Jerusalem.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: And still to come tonight, President Trump and ICE score a big win in their California immigration crackdown, thanks to the U.S. Supreme
Court. We will explain, of course. Plus, the largest Russian aerial assault on Ukraine hit a Kyiv government building for the first time. Details ahead
on Moscow's latest escalation in its war. You are watching CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:25:00]
SOARES: Well, in a huge boost to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a short time ago that the
administration can continue what critics have described as roving patrols around Los Angeles. That means ICE agents can pull aside anyone they
believe to be Latino, including U.S. citizens and interrogate them about their immigration status.
Critics call it racial profiling. The high court decision follows a lower court ruling that said the practice likely violated the Fourth Amendment of
the constitution. The right of course, of people to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. I'd love to have CNN's chief Supreme
Court analyst Joan Biskupic with us now.
And Joan, just help us take a step back, and we were playing some video there. And just explain what these roving patrols are and when we have seen
them.
JOAN BISKUPIC, CNN CHIEF SUPREME COURT ANALYST: Sure, good to see you, Isa. Yes, this traces back to June when ICE agents really focused on the
southern California area mostly in Los Angeles. And there are four factors that the lower courts that ruled against Donald Trump had cited for having
a problem here, and those factors for these stops and seizures were, you know, looking at individual's race or ethnicity, looking at whether they
spoke Spanish or English with an accent.
Looking at the location, was it the kind of place that they thought that migrants might congregate to get certain jobs? And finally, the occupation
of the person. So, they were targeting places like car washes or construction sites, tow yards that often, migrants might be gathering at.
But what the lower court said was that they just didn't have sufficient justification of reasonable suspicion that these people were here
unlawfully. And you know, lots of people got swept up in this, not just people who were here undocumented, but people who are U.S. citizens that
happen to be Latino.
And the court majority did not explain itself as it sided with the Trump administration, Isa, but just as Brett Kavanaugh, one of the members of the
majority, did write separately, and one point he made was, and this is a quote from him, "to be clear, apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish
reasonable suspicion under this court's case law regarding immigration stops.
However, it can be a relevant factor when considered along with other salient factors." Now, he had the majority with that view apparently, even
though nobody else explained themselves. But Justice Sonia Sotomayor took the -- an opposite approach as she dissented. She said "we should not have
to live in a country where the government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish and appears to have a low-wage job rather than stand
idly by while our constitutional freedoms are lost. I dissent."
Now, Justice Sotomayor, who happens to be the first Latina on our Supreme Court here, was joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Kataji Brown-Jackson.
And the other thing that Justice Sotomayor said, taking issue with just something Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote, was that these stops weren't
necessarily just brief questioning episodes, because he said something like they could just, you know, stop someone briefly and ask whether they have
the relevant papers. What she stressed is that these were masked, heavily armed ICE agents who were involved in physical altercations and then ended
up bringing people in.
And as you know, we've had a series of cases up here on appeals from the Trump administration to the Supreme Court trying to have more flexibility
for its immigration and deportation policies. And with very rare exceptions, this conservative majority has sided with the Trump
administration and given him great license to keep going forward. And this comes today at a time when certainly the administration's being more
aggressive with its ICE agents, but also now talking more aggressively about the National Guard in cities too. Isa.
ISA SOARES, CNN INTERNATIONAL HOST: Yes. Fiery your words from Justice Sotomayor. Thanks very much. Joan, really appreciate it.
BISKUPIC: Thank you.
SOARES: Turning now to Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro has urged people to enlist in the country's militia. Hundreds of civilians with no
prior military experience are mobilizing, responding to what Mr. Maduro says is a U.S. plan to topple his government. Our Stefano Pozzebon takes a
closer look at Venezuela's militia recruitment drive from Venezuela.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STEFANO POZZEBON, CNN JOURNALIST (voice-over): On a regular day, Hector Carrillo is a pastry chef working early shifts to bake cookies and cakes
for his community in a slum outside Caracas. But when duty calls, Carrillo is a reservist and a member of the Bolivarian militia, a civilian force
tied to Venezuela's military, ready to defend the nation.
As sources tell CNN, the White House is considering strikes on Venezuelan territory, allegedly to hit narco-traffickers, Carrillo warns any U.S.
intervention against Venezuela would be catastrophic.
POZZEBON (through translator): Do you have a message for President Trump?
POZZEBON (voice-over): I've been almost 30 years in the army and I still feel prepared to defend the fatherland. I would tell him, do not think
about it because it will be bad. It will be the end of the American empire.
In recent days, President Nicolas Maduro has called for a special mobilization of the militia.
NICOLAS MADURO, VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Our mobilization will be permanent and never stop. The armed forces will
deliver the plans for people to sign up.
POZZEBON (voice-over): Maduro told the nation claiming as many as eight million Venezuelans signed up. Experts dispute these numbers for how
effective this corps would be in real combat.
POZZEBON: While militiamen like Hector are unlikely to deter any intervention plan from President Trump, they definitely send a message to
everyone in the community, the government is on every street.
POZZEBON (voice-over): Today, Carrillo's job is to provide security at this government fair where citizens get access to basic services like
subsidized medicines or medical consultations while the militia patrols the street. Top prize at the spinning wheel, Super Celita, a super woman
modeled on Maduro's wife, Celia Flores.
POZZEBON: Seems like I didn't win.
POZZEBON (voice-over): At the heart of the fair is the food stall with Maduro looking on.
POZZEBON: One of the tasks of the militia is to oversee the logistics of the government handouts which are crucial for vast parts of the Venezuelan
population as the minimum wage here is still less than a dollar a month.
POZZEBON (voice-over): Used to living under an authoritarian government, most Venezuelans seem unmoved by the prospect of U.S. strikes. Even Maduro
now strikes a more cautious tone.
MADURO (through translator): Please don't let yourselves be deceived for one more fratricidal war in South America and in the Caribbean.
POZZEBON (voice-over): The White House says more actions are coming against the Venezuelan leader. While here, his supporters, close ranks
prepared for what is next.
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, Petare, Venezuela.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Our thanks to Stefano for that report. And still to come tonight, the death toll climbs in Ukraine, as global leaders weigh heavier sanctions
on Russia. We'll look into the White House's next moves on the wall. That's just ahead.
Plus, a deadly clash between protesters and police in Nepal kills more than a dozen. All the details for you after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:35:00]
SOARES: Welcome back, everyone. If you're just joining us, let me bring you up to date with the breaking news that we've been following for the
last 38 minutes or so. The evacuation of a busy terminal at London's Heathrow Airport. An airport spokesperson says people were evacuated due to
a possible hazardous material incident. This is at Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport. Firefighters have responded and all other terminals are operating
as normal.
So, these are images coming out of London Heathrow Airport. But the terminal in question here is Terminal 4. We are also hearing from Heathrow
Airport that the check-in at Terminal 4 has been closed. The terminal has been evacuated while emergency services respond to an incident. They are
advising travelers not to make their way to Terminal 4 until there is more information. All other terminals are operating as normal.
Of course, we'll continue following developments and bring them to you as soon as we get them. This is, of course, biggest -- London's biggest
airport and busiest in Europe.
[14:40:00]
Now, what options are left on the table while U.S. President Donald Trump weighs his next moves on Russia's war in Ukraine? His Russian counterpart,
Vladimir Putin, is making intentions clearer than ever. This weekend saw Russia's largest aerial bombardment of the war. Ukrainian officials say at
least four people were killed in the strikes. And a government building that houses the prime minister's office was hit for the first time.
As of Sunday, the U.S. president says he is ready to impose new measures on Moscow, this as he prepares for more talks with Mr. Putin.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: It's such a horrible waste of humanity. So, no, I am not thrilled with what's happening there. I believe we're going to
get it settled. But I am not happy with them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Well, the Kremlin is dismissing Mr. Trump's latest threats, saying pressure from Western sanctions has been, quote, "absolutely useless."
Let's bring in our Senior White House Reporter Kevin Liptack who joins us live from Washington. And, Kevin, so far, we've had threats, we've had
timelines from the U.S. president but no follow throughs. Will he follow through this time? What is the sense that you're getting from the
administration behind you?
KEVIN LIPTACK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: I mean, I think you're right to point out that these deadlines that the president sets on
sanctions for Russia have a tendency to just kind of melt away after he speaks with Vladimir Putin. And he says exactly that, that he will be
speaking to the Russian leader sometime soon. And so, I don't think it's necessarily clear that the president is, as he says he is, ready to apply
these new sanctions either on Moscow, or secondary sanctions on countries that continue to import Russian energy. But at least going by what the
president is saying there, he says that that continues to be on the table.
And we should note that the top sanctions envoy from the European Union is in Washington today to meet at the Department of the Treasury with
administration officials to discuss how to apply new pressure on Moscow going forward to try and bring about a resolution to this conflict. So, it
remains to be seen what exactly President Trump has in mind here. He says that this would be the second phase of his sanctions because, remember, he
did apply a new secondary tariff on India for its imports of Russian energy.
This second phase, I suppose in his mind, would be continuing to apply pressure on countries that import Russian oil and gas, namely China, which
is the top customer for Moscow for its energy products. But President Trump has been resistant to do that because he's trying to strike a trade deal
with Beijing. And it's not necessarily clear at this point that he's ready to take that step.
So, how exactly he proceeds remains an open question. He, as well as the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, have been trying to put pressure on
Europe to stop its imports of Russian energy. And in fact, last week when the president was speaking with European officials, that was a point that
he made in that call, was that they needed to do their part in trying to cut off that very important revenue stream for Russia's war machine.
And so, the president continuing to try and apply pressure on Europe, as well as trying to consider his own options going forward. But it's clear
that now, several weeks after the president's sit-down with Putin in Alaska, that almost nothing has come out of those talks. Russia continues
to target Ukraine, continues to ramp up its drone and missile strikes without any clear resolution in the offing. But President Trump clearly
frustrated that that hasn't produced the results that he hoped it would, and leaving open the possibility that he could do more to punish Moscow
going forward.
SOARES: Kevin Liptak, thank you very much. Kevin Liptak there at the White House. And still to come tonight, protesters in Nepal turn deadly after
police open fire on demonstrators. We'll bring you the details after this very short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:45:00]
SOARES: Well, police in Nepal opened fire on protesters outside parliament killing at least 17 and wounding 145 others. Rallies swept the streets of
Nepal's capital Kathmandu demonstrating against a government ban on social media platforms.
Tens of thousands chanted corruption should be stopped not access to social media. Officials say the likes of Facebook, X and YouTube failed to
register their companies and submit to government oversight. But TikTok, Viber and other platforms have registered and operate without interruption.
The situation remains tense with a government curfew in place across parts of the city. Our Sebastian Shukla is following developments for us from
Berlin. And, Sebastian, just -- I mean, how much really, Seb, is this about social media? Speak to what you've been hearing today.
SEBASTIAN SHUKLA, CNN PRODUCER: Yes, good evening, Isa. Lots of this is about social media mainly because those are the sites and platforms that
have been targeted by the Nepalese government here and it's something that they've been trying to do over a little -- this recent little period of
time. They actually went after TikTok, the Chinese platform, a couple of -- just about a year ago and then they were reinstated once they agreed to the
government's terms.
And what the government are asking for here, essentially, is for there to be a middleman appointed by the platforms that liaises with the government
and what the government says is necessary to do this is because of a crackdown against hate speech and that the companies are trying to make
them comply with Nepalese law.
Those pictures that we've seen coming out of Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital today, Isa, have been particularly violent. And as you said, the AP
are reporting that 17 people have died and 144 people have been injured as a result of those protests, some of them which were really rather dramatic,
we saw them storming a government building, there has been water cannon deployed by the police, riot police, there was a storming of the barricades
trying to hold back this tide of protesters.
And I want you to take a listen to what one of those protesters or at least one of those witnesses to the protests had to say earlier.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): A while ago the police fired bullets, which missed me, but hit a friend who was standing behind me. He
was hit in the hand. The firing continues till now from inside. We still can hear the sounds of the firing. My friend who was standing on the road
was shot at the head. The police have been firing indiscriminately, targeting above the knee. Are they permitted to do so?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SHUKLA: Isa, as we can hear then, people were very badly injured and some of those -- you know, from those eyewitnesses at least seem to be rather
seriously injured too. I think one of the things that's really got under the skin of the Nepalese people here is that Nepal prides itself on the
open -- the freedom of the press and the ability for journalists to be able to operate freely and the Nepalese people themselves rely so much, as we
all do, on all of these platforms, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, YouTube, to be able to communicate with each other but also as ways to get their
information, and many view that the current prime minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, as one of the potential tools used to coerce and bring a
society and at least more draconian and more restrictive measures on that open freedom of speech. Isa.
SOARES: Yes. And the U.N. calling the use of force both unnecessary and disproportionate. I know you'll stay across this for us, Seb. Appreciate
it. Thank you. Sebastian Shukla there. We'll have much more after this short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:50:00]
SOARES: Well, you don't have to be a tea connoisseur to be familiar with matcha. The bright green powder supposedly packed with healthy goodness can
be found in anything from smoothies to baked goods. As part of CNN's new series, "Seasons," we trace the matcha-making process back to Japan's most
prestigious tea region. Have a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HIKARI MORI, JAPANESE MODEL: Matcha has been part of Japanese culture for centuries, the cornerstone of a traditional tea ceremony. But today, its
vibrant color and reported health benefits have sparked a growing obsession. On TikTok alone, nearly 700,000 videos are dedicated to the
topic, drawing more than 9 billion views.
And it all starts here in Uji. With global demand surging, more farmers turn to tencha, the leaf used to make matcha. And exports of Japanese green
tea jumped 25 percent in value last year. I have come to learn how Marukyu Koyamaen preserve a tradition that's lasted more than 300 years.
MOTOYA KOYAMA, PRESIDENT, MARUKYU KOYAMAEN (through translator): Making tea with great care is not about producing a large quantity, it's about
focusing closely and crafting each part by hand. Matcha itself is quite a limited type of tea. It's not something that can be made anywhere.
MORI: As soon as the tencha leaves have been dried, Koyama tests different blends based on color, texture, and aroma.
These are the better-quality tea leaves, and you can see from the color which is more vibrant.
Only the best blends are transformed into the signature green powder. Stone ground matcha is a slow art. Each granite wheel spins about one rotation
per second, producing only 40 grams an hour, which is why their finest matcha can sell for more than $4,000 per kilo.
Smells very sweet. And has that rich umami flavor.
[14:55:00]
Tradition may have changed the trend online, but here, at the birthplace of Japanese matcha, quality continues to reign over quantity.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: I like mine with a bit of oat milk and a bit of agave. Really nice. And finally, tonight, September's full moon became a rare celestial
display, thanks to a lunar eclipse that could be seen right around the world. Look at that. The moon's color turned to a deep reddish hue and was
visible on Sunday to those in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. According to NASA, the Earth's sun and moon line up their orbits. The moon
is cast into a crescent-shaped shadow before it's completely blocked from the sun by Earth. That's when sunlight from the sun makes it around the
edges of the Earth, where blue light is scattered by air molecules, making the lunar reflection a glowing red, better known, of course, as the blood
moon.
That does it for us for tonight. Do stay right here. "What We Know" with Max Foster is up next. I shall see you tomorrow. Have a good evening.
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