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Floridians Makes Preemptive Move Ahead of Tropical Storm Ian; Cubans Save Crops from Incoming Storm; Five Rescue Workers Killed by Super Typhoon Noru in Philippines; Russian Men and Ethnic Group Fleeing Their Country; Italy Looking to Have Its First Female Prime Minister; January 6th Committee Will Have Their Last Public Hearing on Wednesday. Aired 3-4a ET

Aired September 26, 2022 - 03:00   ET

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

[03:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PAULA NEWTON, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and a warm welcome to our viewers joining us from here in the United States and all around the world. You are watching CNN Newsroom. I'm Paula Newton.

Just ahead, Tropical Storm Ian on the cusp of becoming a hurricane as is it churns into the Caribbean. People in Florida are taking no chances and preparing early. We are live in the CNN Weather Center with the latest.

Plus.

Frustration in one of Russia's poorest regions as people fight back against Putin's plan to mobilize thousands more troops for his war in Ukraine.

And an historic election in Italy where the most far-right ruling coalition since Mussolini looks set to take power.

And we begin this hour with Tropical Storm Ian that's churning in the Caribbean and gaining strength as it move -- moves towards Cuba. Now it's expected to rapidly intensify before hitting western Cuba with strong winds and dangerous storm surges. Now, Ian is expected to turn into a major hurricane Tuesday and forecast to hit Florida midweek.

People in Florida are already preparing for the storm, filling sandbags to try and prevent flooding. Here's more now from the mayor.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR JANE CASTOR, TAMPA, FLORIDA: Of course, there's a high degree of worry whenever we have a name storm that we are in the trajectory or in the path of that storm. So, but we are preparing, you know, we -- we like to rehearse and practice for these, but we certainly don't want to be on the main stage of Ian.

(END VIDEO CLIP) NEWTON: Now Floridians are stocking up on emergency essentials, like bottled water and batteries, and a -- in advance of the storm. A tropical storm watches already in effect for the Florida Keys. And the governor says, although Ian's path is still uncertain, it could impact the state.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. RON DESANTIS (R-FL): We have activated the Florida National Guard. They are activating 2,500 guardsmen at the moment. And if there is a need for more, then we could do more. And our state EOC is at a level one.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: Now in the meantime, hurricane warnings have been issued for western Cuba.

CNN's Patrick Oppmann has more now from Havana.

PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Cuban officials have warned residents in the western portion of this island to remain on alert as Ian approaches Cuba, certainly in the low-lying areas, areas that are close to the water.

Most likely people will have to be evacuated from those areas. West of Havana it is mostly agricultural areas. And what we've heard throughout the day on Sunday is that people are readying their farms, are taking their livestock to areas that'll be safer for them, are trying to collect crops.

There's a lot of tobacco grown in this area, because they know that when the heavy winds and rain come in, that that is when they could lose their crop. So, they've been warned to get ready in advance of this powerful storm's arrival.

Up on now though, the Cuban government has not really given specific instructions to people. They're watching where this storm goes. If it will stay offshore or if it will make landfall in Cuban territory.

Certainly, if it comes to Cuba as a major hurricane, a category three or above, it could cause quite a bit of damage here. People have been hoping they would get through this hurricane season in Cuba without a hurricane striking the island that does not appear to be the case though.

And Cubans are very concerned because already the Cuban economy has taken so many hits throughout the last year or so with the result of the pandemic, essentially ending for more than a year all tourism to this island. The impact of U.S. sanctions, bad -- bad economic decisions made by the Cuban government.

So, this storm, if it hits parts of the island where food is grown, where tobacco is grown, it will only damage the economy all that much further. So, Cubans are simply wondering, if the impacts of the storm will be too much for them to bear. Patrick Oppmann, CNN, Havana.

NEWTON: All right. Pedram Javaheri now joins us from CNN weather center. I mean, look, it is always that nerve-wracking guessing game, right? Where is that storm going to hit? And there still seems some, a lot of uncertainty.

[03:05:02]

PEDRAM JAVAHERI, CNN METEOROLOGIST: There is. You know, three to four days out before landfall across the United States. Certainly, a lot could change. Generally speaking, the margin of error that far out over 100 miles either direction. But of course, the initial threat right now across portions of the Cayman Islands, the storm sits a little bit over 100 miles south of the Cayman Islands, about 350 miles south of western tip there of Cuba where we think landfall as possible as early as early Tuesday morning.

Certainly, the impacts this time tomorrow are going to be felt across this region. And notice, hurricane warnings have been prompted across this region as well. And the biggest concern with the storm system is, is has every single element needed to flourish in its environmental conditions.

In fact, the warmest oceanic temperatures anywhere across the Atlantic Ocean are in its direct path here with sea surface temperatures well into the 80s. So, it is going to strengthen, certainly that's a concern. Notice the storm surge threat nine to 14 feet. That is a massive concern as storm surge is the number one killer in all tropical systems. The most destructive feature is that elevated water level that it approaches these coastal communities. That's going to be really seeing the brunt of it across this region of western Cuba.

And then beyond this, an incredible storm surge stretches for portions of western Florida as well. Southwestern regions as much as seven-foot storm surge possible as early as Tuesday into Wednesday. But notice, because it interacts with just such a small area of western Cuba where the elevated terrain not as significant as say, portions of central Cuba, eastern Cuba. We don't think this system will want to weaken quite a bit here.

In fact, possibility that it interacts with just a little bit of land if it takes this western trajectory. And always got to remind you, don't fall in love with the central portion of this track. It could go as far west as the western periphery as far east as the eastern periphery.

So that's something we watch very carefully. And then you'll notice it flourishes to possibly a category four, a potentially lethal category four system here as it approaches western areas of Florida. Densely populated Tampa Bay area the last time they were impacted directly by a major hurricane would you believe that back in 1921?

So, with all of the hurricanes we've seen across parts of Florida in recent decades, this particular region has not seen a storm this strong in 101-year. So really speaks to the intensity, the dangerous nature, of course, in 101 years' time, quite a bit of population growth across this region as well by kind of leaving you with what we started with, Paula, was the significant variability at this point within models.

Some want to take it to the west. Some want to bring it to the east. We'll follow this as the story progresses this week.

NEWTON: Now potentially, a once in a century event. And that's why Florida officials are saying, look, take it seriously and prepare now. Pedram, thanks so much. I know you'll be following it in the hours and days to come.

Now to the aftermath of hurricane Fiona, a body that was washed out to sea in Canada has now been recovered. At least seven deaths in fact were been attributed to the storm right across Guadalupe, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Canada.

New images from Eastern Canada are showing the trail of destruction left behind after Fiona swept to the region. Officials say the priority now is restoring power and clearing roads right across the province.

Nearly 200,000 customers are still without power and several homes were washed away by floodwaters due to Fiona. One of the strongest storms, in fact, on record to hit Canada's Atlantic coast. In Puerto Rico meantime, nearly half of the customers still don't have power one week after hurricane Fiona hit that island.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was in Puerto Rico Sunday, surveying the damage left by the storm and meeting with local officials. New York City is home to a large Puerto Rican community. The mayor travels to the Dominican Republic Monday.

The Philippines is reeling after being slammed by a super typhoon Sunday. Noru has since been downgraded to a regular typhoon, but catastrophic flooding as you can see there has filled streets across the country, destroying homes and making cleanup increasingly difficult for residents. At least five rescue workers have reportedly died due to the storm.

On Sunday, the storm battered the Philippines with high waves amid the downpour, the Philippine National Weather Service says it's the strongest typhoon the region has seen this year.

Now we did see them first in Moscow. Now we are seeing heated protests in some of Russia's ethnic minority regions over the government's mobilization order and the war in Ukraine.

This video shows women arguing with police in the capital of Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region about a thousand miles from Moscow. And now in other confrontations, there arrests have been reported.

You see this video it shows officers aggressively pushing back crowded protesters. We also saw a large anti-draft rally in the far eastern Sakha Republic. It's another ethnic minority region, more than 3000 miles from Moscow authorities. There have acknowledged some residents have been enlisted by mistake.

Now to evade conscription many Russians are trying to flee the country. There you see the border with Georgia, hundreds of cars have waited in line to get out. Some men spoke about the challenges they faced getting through the last major Russian city before the border.

[03:10:03]

UNKNOWN (through translation): We paid $1,200 to be escorted to the point which is three kilometers before the Russian checkpoint on the Russia-Georgia border. Because if you just honestly wait in line, leaving Russia could take at least 72 hours. Paying our fee, we made it in 30 hours.

UNKNOWN (through translation): Our president having declared war to an adjacent state, having illegitimately annexed part of their territory is now trying to drag the population into the frater side of war.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: The Ukrainian officials says a predominantly Muslim ethnic group is also fleeing Russian held Crimea, you see it there, to avoid the draft. According to Ukraine's presidential representative to the peninsula, the Crimean Tatars have been disproportionately targeted by Russia's conscription. And now she says thousands of Tatar men and their families are seeking safety in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Here's how Ukraine's president reacted.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE (through translator): The criminal mobilization is being used by Russia not only to extend the suffering of people in Ukraine and to further destabilize the world, but also to physically eliminate indigenous men living in territories controlled for now temporarily by the Russian Federation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: OK, to help us get through all this, Clare Sebastian joins us now. And Clare, you know, there's a lot going on in many different regions. How difficult really is it to ascertain if this is a broad- based movement with support, or if we're just seeing people be more vocal, and in fact, more desperate just to leave the country, but they still remain a minority.

CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Paula, I think, look, the -- they probably are still a minority. Don't underestimate the power of this information echo chamber that Russia has created. The media is not free. It's even less free since the start of the war.

Russians are being fed constant reports of the violence that Ukrainians are perpetrating against Russian minorities in Ukraine. So, patriotism is still strong in Russia, but don't also underestimate the protests that are going on, especially in this climate. It takes incredible bravery to come out and protest, not only in a climate of a crackdown on freedom of speech, but also where Putin has signed a law over the weekend increasing penalties for things like evading the draft and desertions. So, there are several sort of prongs to the crackdown that we are seeing.

And I think, look, it is significant that we're seeing more protests in the regions, cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, people are much more likely to be able to access free information through things like VPN. The regions, perhaps more insulated from that. But disproportionately according to activist groups affected by this draft and not only the draft itself but some of the chaos around -- surrounding it in the Sakha Republic.

As you notice whether -- where we've seen protests the leader of that region said that people have been sort of mobilized erroneously. They don't have military experience and he want them returned. So, look, it's not just concentrated in the cities. It is in the regions as well. I think this is part of the gamble that Putin of having brought to the war, which is so far sort of not touched the everyday lives of Russian citizens to their door.

I think he's seeing it play out now. But I still think that he will be able to get men to the front by force, by threat of imprisonment, and by the patriotism that still lingers there. But definitely significant to see the outrage growing in these regions.

NEWTON: Yes. Specially to see the women among them. Right? Many times, it is the spouses and the mothers who literally will confront the people trying to put their family members on buses. And it's been extraordinary to see. Clare Sebastian, thanks for following it for us. I appreciate it.

Now, the U.K.'s new prime minister is sharing her thoughts on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She says, Vladimir Putin likely didn't expect such a strong reaction from the world. And that it's time to stop listening to the Russian president and pile more sanctions on Russia. And here's part of her exclusive conversation with CNN's Jake Tapper.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LIZ TRUSS, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: The reason Putin is doing this is because he isn't winning. He made a strategic -- the stake invading Ukraine, and I think he has been outsmarted by the Ukrainians. We've seen the Ukrainians continue to push back against the Russian offensive. And I think he didn't anticipate the strength of reaction from the free world. And we should not be listening to his saber rattling and his bogus threats.

Instead, what we need to do is continue to put sanctions on Russia and continue to support the Ukrainians. Because if Putin is allowed to succeed this wouldn't just send a terrible message in Europe. And of course, huge threats to the Ukrainian population themselves, but it also would send a message to other authoritarian regimes around the world that it's somehow acceptable --

[03:15:05]

JAKE TAPPER, CNN HOST: Like China.

TRUSS: -- to invade, well, for example, but it's somehow acceptable to invade a sovereign, a sovereign nation. So, this is why it's so important that we continue to be resolute. we don't listen to the saber rattling that we're hearing from Putin, and we continue to back the Ukrainians to the hill.

And that's what I'm determined the United Kingdom will do. I know President Biden is absolutely committed from the U.S. point of view. We've worked closely with our American allies, with the G7. And we will continue to do so until Ukraine -- Ukraine prevails.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: Still to come for us, Giorgia Meloni is widely expected to be named Italy's first female prime minister. More on what looks like the latest breakthrough for Europe's far right just ahead.

Plus, the January 6th committee holds a public hearing this week. It's first since July and newly released evidence will be revealed.

[03:20:00]

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NEWTON: The British pound keeps losing ground against the U.S. dollar falling to a record low of just over $1.03 cents. If you can believe it. Now, you can see it's come off slightly from that low, now hovering around close to 1.07, but there are fears in the U.K. that sterling could actually slide to parody, one to one to the U.S. dollar.

Now in U.S. markets, we're waiting to see how the Dow opens in the coming hours after a disastrous end of trading on Friday, closing down nearly 500 points as you can see there, it's basically flat, but the levels on Friday were the Dow's worst since November of 2020. And that was stoked by investor fears of inflation and corrective action by the Fed to try and control it.

Now in Italy, exit polls show Europe's far-right has scored another stunning success at the ballot box. A coalition led by Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy Party is on track for victory as the official results are awaited. Meloni will likely become the country's first female prime minister.

And despite her political leanings, she told supporters she is ready to unite the country. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GIORGIA MELONI, POLITICAL PARTY LEADER, BROTHERS OF ITALY PARTY (through translator): It's important to understand that if we are called to govern this nation, we will do it for everyone. We will do it for every Italian. We will do it with the goal of uniting these people to highlight what unites them, rather than what divides them. Because the major objective we've always given ourselves in life and that we've given ourselves as a political force is to ensure that Italians could once again, be proud to be Italian.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: Now a reminder, those official results are still pending, but Italy's Democratic Party has in fact already conceded. Now Sunday's snap election comes as Italy faces a deepening political and economic crisis. The vote was triggered after Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigned in July when he failed to unite the government behind his economic policies.

More now from CNN's Barbie Nadeau who's been following this election from Rome.

BARBIE NADEAU, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: All indicators point to a very comfortable victory for the center right coalition in Italy's general election. Now this coalition was led by the far-right Brothers of Italy Party led by Giorgia Meloni who is now on track to be Italy's first ever female prime minister. She campaigned on strong traditional family values.

This coalition was anchored by the Donald Trump loving Matteo Salini and his Lega Party. They campaigned on anti-immigration and secure borders. The other anchor of this coalition was a longtime politician in this country, the political legend Silvio Berlusconi who three times was elected to prime minister of this country.

What this victory means that this will be the first time since the end of World War II and the fall of fascism that Italy has been led by such a far-right leaning coalition government.

Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, Rome.

NEWTON: Now, earlier I spoke with Nadia Urbinati, she is a professor of political theory at Columbia University. And I spoke to her about Italy's election and she offered some perspective on how Giorgia Meloni may lead if she is named prime minister. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NADIA URBINATI, PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL THEORY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: The coalition at the end may be weak. And these may influence may -- may push her to be more centrist and less radical. By the way, from the point of view of economics and political -- political economy decisions, she's not as radical or as far right. Also, because she cannot use the state to do what she wants. There is no room for that, for in that meant for the relation with Europe.

So, she cannot really do what she was in any case, but particularly now the perspective is not a strong government and perhaps a difficult government to be -- to be put together in my view.

NEWTON: And how does this work in terms of the complexion of governments across Europe? And we've certainly seen a tilt right now in Italy, but we've had it in Hungary for a while. We're beginning to see that in Sweden as well.

When we think about Europe and Italy's place within it, do you think there will be more pressure to hold more right of center opinions and, and more radical, radical policy positions, maybe even on Ukraine. Silvio Berlusconi has already come out as if trying to excuse Putin's behavior.

URBINATI: Yes. This was already there before these elections, also Salvini. The position toward the Putin in Italy is very complex. It's not white or black and white, both in the left -- in the left and in the right. But there is a kind of conservative wind in Europe, both because of the COVID and the indebtment (Ph) of Europe. Because the crisis of energy which means pro economic problem.

[03:24:57]

So, the disaffection with the Europe of rights and the Europe of the beacon of rights society. It's all -- in some sense, is in decline. Now, the sense is that the states, nation states, they want to have more power, they want to have more ability to make decisions and thus, they want to have Europe helping them in their autonomy, in their sovereignty, as they say, not within a quasi-community or unity. So, I suspect that this is not only an Italian issue.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON: And our thanks there to Nadia Urbinati for her perspective.

So, Wednesday will be a pivotal day for the January 6th committee investigating the capitol riot. Members plan to hold what maybe the last public hearing on Capitol Hill before the committee releases its final report.

Now, the hearing is expected to expose new details about the probe, but members are being tight lip, saying they do not plan to reveal any of that information until Wednesday. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MANU RAJU, CNN CHIEF CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Is there actually going to be significant new information in this hearing?

REP. JAMIE RASKIN (D-MD): I mean, I suppose that will be in the eye of the beholder.

REP. ADAM SCHIFF (D-CA): We're not disclosing yet what the focus will be. The public will certainly learn things that hasn't seen before, but it will also understand information it already has in a different context by seeing how it relates to other elements of this plot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: So, meantime, California Representative Zoe Lofgren, Democrat, doubts the select committee will hear from Donald Trump or Mike Pence. Here's more from Lofgren.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. ZOE LOFGREN (D-CA): I think the former president has made clear that he is no intention of coming in. So, while we'd like to hear from both of them, I'm not expecting that we necessarily will.

The vice president had said publicly that he thought he might want to come in. And so, we were very encouraged by that, but since that time, his people have walked it back.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: Now, she also declined to share details about the committee's upcoming hearing on Wednesday, only saying it would include new information for the public.

Demonstrators gathered in Paris Sunday to stand in solidarity with Iranians protesting the deaths of Masha Amini. That story coming up after the break.

Plus, we are attracting Tropical Storm Ian as it intensifies and moves towards Cuba and Florida. Stay with us for more.

[03:30:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NEWTON: And welcome back to our viewers here in the United States and all around the world. I'm Paula Newton. And you are watching CNN Newsroom.

An update now on Tropical Storm Ian. It is turning in the Caribbean and getting stronger as it moves towards western Cuba. Now the forecast a reminder, it will become likely a hurricane Monday and then strengthen further Tuesday.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Florida Keys as Ian is expected to impact that area. And officials are urging people to get prepared now.

Anti-government protests continued meantime in Iran Sunday, despite a crackdown by security arrests and internet disruptions. What started as demonstrations over the death of 22-year-old Masha Amini in police custody now includes protests against the regime itself. Dozens have been killed. But CNN has been unable to verify exact numbers.

Meantime, people right around the world are showing their outrage over Amini's death. Rallies were held Sunday in Paris and in London. But there were also demonstrations Sunday in Tehran and other cities to support the Iranian government and condemning the recent unrest.

OK. Let's bring in Trita Parsi. He is the executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. And he joins me now from Virginia.

Good to have your thoughts on this.

TRITA PARSI, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, QUINCY INSTITUTE FOR RESPONSIBLE STATECRAFT: Thank you.

NEWTON: You know, with any of these uprisings essential question is always, will they trigger any reform or just more repression? I mean, in your opinion, at this point, from what you've seen, what would be the tipping point? Would these protests have the potential to change anything?

PARSI: I think, first of all, it's important to recognize that these protests are actually not asking for reforms. This is one of the things that separates these protests from earlier protests, in which at least originally, they were asking for changes in policies, but later on, oftentimes evolved into actually asking for the regime to fall altogether.

This time around, almost from the outside. They've been asking for the Islamic Republic to go, and that makes it quite different from previous ones. So, even if the regime, which I find very unlikely, were to try to meet the protestors halfway and agree to some reform, it is not clear that that would satisfy the protesters.

NEWTON: I'm wondering if you think the regime actually believes it's vulnerable in any way. I mean, President Ebrahim Raisi has promised an investigation into Amini's death, but the warnings by authorities don't match up with that. Right? They seem to be backing that up by more repression, even violence in the streets. What does that tell you about the posture of the regime at this hour?

PARSI: Well, I (Inaudible) not left with the impression quite yet that the regime actually understands the danger that it is in, in the sense that the population increasingly is willing to take to the streets to call for its downfall.

But even if they may have some silver false sense of security right now, reality is, if they keep on repressing the population, keep on refusing to meet the demands of protestors for simple dignity, even if they manage to clamp down on these protests, there's going to be more protests down the road. This is not a game that in the long run is winnable by simply relying on pure repression.

NEWTON: And when we talk about pure repression though, the internet really does feature in this. They have been trying to clamp down on communication in the country. Do you believe that will work? And do you believe, you know, they are pointing to western countries, including the United States, saying that they're being involved quite directly by continuing to try and keep those internet links up in the country.

PARSI: That is definitely a narrative that the regime would be resorting to. And in the past, there actually has been truth. This time around, I think it's quite clear. This whole thing came in from the inside. It's indigenous and it's as a result of the murder of this 22-year-old woman who was taken and accused of not wearing hijab properly.

[03:35:04] This has really sparked from the inside. And even if the regime will try to make it appear as if it's being supported from the outside, so far that seems not to have gotten any traction inside the country itself.

NEWTON: You know, we're seeing those lovely pictures of Amini right there on the screen. And I -- and I'm sure like so many people I've seen on social media women like her who live outside of the country but whose lives are in Iran, pleading as much as they can, showing their solidarity by not wearing a head scarf, by cutting their hair.

I have seen so many of them. And then I have seen them also say that their families have called them and messaged them saying, please stop. Your life is in danger. You will never be able to turn -- return to Iran. Is that an exaggeration or are these women also risking a lot?

PARSI: They're risking a tremendous amount. Obviously, they're showing tremendous courage. And, you know, when you take a look at these images inside the country you can see that a lot of the protestors are actually very, very young. These are some of the people who were not even 10 years old when the 2009 protests took place. That's when more than two million people took to the streets of Tehran.

So, this is an entirely new generation, a generation that appears to have lost faith in the very idea that things can be reformed in Iran. And as a result, they're going for something much, much stronger, which is the call for the end of the regime altogether. Whether that can succeed or not remains to be seen of course.

One of the things I think we should be looking for is to seek not only if the protests spread, but also if the protests start changing shape and form in the sense that will there be strikes, will people close the stores tomorrow. Things of that nature that can show that it's not just the young people that are out protesting, but the protest are taking place in other shapes and forms as well.

NEWTON: Yes. So quite bold messages we're hearing from some union saying to have those general strikes. So, indeed, it will be important to keep an eye on that in the coming hours and days. Trita Parsi, thanks so much. I really appreciate it.

PARSI: Thank you for having me.

NEWTON: Japan is preparing to say goodbye to assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but some people in the country say he shouldn't have a state funeral. We'll have a live report from Tokyo.

[03:40:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NEWTON: The border between Venezuela and Colombia is due to reopen today. The election of a leftist president in Colombia has led to improve ties in fact between the two neighbors.

And as CNN's Rafael Romo reports that could have an impact far beyond South America.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RAFAEL ROMO, CNN SENIOR LATIN AMERICAN AFFAIRS EDITOR: Dust the old machinery, cob webs and not a single employee around. It's hard to imagine that only seven years ago, this was a bustling shoe factory in a Venezuelan town at the border with Colombia.

Rafael Gomez (Ph), a former worker says back in 2015 this factory would produce about a thousand pairs of shoes daily.

"When the border closed," he says, "we could no longer import the raw materials we needed, which meant we had to shut down."

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro initially ordered part of the border shut in 2015 after an incident in which he claimed three members of his country's armed forces and one civilian were shot at the border, an incident that was never clarified.

The shutdown eventually spread to the entire border and happened amid years of bad blood between Colombia's right-wing presidents and the Venezuelan government controlled by leftists since the turn of the century when Hugo Chavez rose to power. All that changed last month when Gustavo Petro, a leftist former guerilla was sworn in as president of Colombia.

During a presidential debate in March, Petro spoke in favor of reestablishing relations with Venezuela and reopening the 2,200- kilometer border.

"We would save the border, take it away from the mafia. We would industrialize it. And border towns would thrive," then candidate Petro said. For the Colombian right, it's not only about the border.

Back in February, then Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez said she was concerned that military cooperation between Venezuela and Russia meant there was a risk that military equipment might end up in the hands of criminal groups at the border that threatened Colombian security.

When he took office in August, Petro became Colombia's first leftist president. Last week, it was clear the Kremlin perceives this as a positive change.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Colombia a promising ally in Latin America praising Petro for being open to strengthening ties between the two countries.

For Colombian political analyst and former national security advisor, Jaime Arango, Petro's new foreign policy means that Colombia will join a new political and economic bloc of nations. What those of us in the previous government consider meddling, they now interpreted as an alliance, Arango said.

Back at the border and far from politics, business owners say they're ready for a reopening. "I want to see more people like we used to have before the border closing in the pandemic," she said. She has already bought new chairs and tables for her restaurant.

Her hope of an economic boom is in sharp contrast with the fear many feel in Bogota about what the thawing of relations with Venezuela and other countries like Russia may spill for Colombia's future.

Rafael Romo, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON: Japan is preparing for the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday. Now, Abe was assassinated during a campaign speech in July. But some in Japan do not believe that he should get a state funeral. Leaders from around the world will be attending the ceremony.

CNN's Blake Essig joins me now from Tokyo. Blake, you've been following this story and I have to say, you know, it is kind of complicated and nuanced. And yet, from what I've seen on the streets, I mean, there are people who are incredibly angry that what is perhaps not a lot of money for Japan is being spent on this funeral nonetheless.

BLAKE ESSIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Paula, when it comes to the celebration for a man who was equally revered and criticized here in Japan, I can tell you that this remains a divided nation and for many different reasons, including the cost of this state funeral. Abe's connection to the controversial Unification Church, the decision- making process behind holding this state funeral, and the political nature of this event that's being paid for by the taxpayers.

[03:45:05]

To put that into perspective, there are roughly 700 foreign dignitaries planning to attend. Among them, several heads of state and U.S. Vice -- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris who have already held or are planning to hold bilateral meetings with Japanese officials while they're here in Japan.

That being said, while the government says that the upcoming state funeral is meant to honor Japan's longest serving prime minister, simply hosting this event has instead created controversy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ESSIG: Across Japan, the feeling of shock, sadness, and disbelief continues to be felt nearly two months after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was gunned down on the street while delivering a campaign speech. In the days that followed Japan said its final goodbye to its longest serving prime minister.

But as messages of condolence came pouring in from around the world, current prime minister Fumio Kishida made the decision to further honor Abe's diplomatic legacy by holding a state funeral.

FUMIO KISHIDA, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): By conducting the state funeral we are mourning former Prime Minister Abe and showing our country's determination to resolutely defend democracy and not give into violence.

ESSIG: That decision that opposition lawmakers say was made without consulting Japan's parliament is expected to cost taxpayers more than 1.6 billion yen or nearly $12 million U.S. dollars.

JUN AZUMI, DIET AFFAIRS CHIEF, CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF JAPAN (through translator): Prime Minister Kishida made this decision by himself. He didn't make a proper effort to reach a consensus that involved the voices of the citizens and the opposition parties.

ESSIG: The prime minister defended his decision to lawmakers but admits his explanation was insufficient. As a result, public opinion against holding a state funeral continues to mount. In fact, according to the latest poll from Yomiuri Shimbun, a slight majority of the public stands in opposition.

While recently one man reportedly told police, he was so against the event that he set himself on fire outside of Prime Minister Kishida's residence.

Gatherings like this one protesting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's upcoming state funeral have been held on a regular basis since the government announced the plan back in mid-July.

Although the specific reason for each person here varies, the underlying message remains the same.

UNKNOWN (through translator): I'm against the idea of holding a state funeral for anyone.

UNKNOWN (through translator): Many people can't even eat right now, instead of spending billions of yen on his funeral, they can help the lives of many people. It's outrageous that they chose to use it on something like this.

ESSIG: While many people including the thousands gathered here at this event don't think it should happen. Others say state funeral is appropriate to honor Abe's legacy.

UNKNOWN (through translator): I support the state funeral. Abe was an international statesman who attracted more people to Japan.

UNKNOWN (through translator): His legacy has reflected in the way he raised Japan's global profile, how he was able to implement a new piece in security law while facing huge opposition. And how that law has now become essential for maintaining peace and security, I think his past achievements for Japan makes a state funeral appropriate for him.

ESSIG: Despite the public backlash appropriate or not, a state funeral for Abe will take place. A polarizing figure in life and even in death, his deep divisions about his leadership haven't disappeared.

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ESSIG (on camera): Now as for tomorrow's state funeral, divided nation will once again beyond display, with areas set aside for mourners to gather and lay flowers while at the same time multiple protests will be held, Paula.

NEWTON: Yes. And also, as you pointed out, so interesting with so many world leaders past and present there in attendance. Blake Essig for us live in Tokyo. I appreciate it.

Just ahead, it's been the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters but this time, yes, it's real. NASA will try to change the path of an asteroid in space. We'll have more on that next.

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NEWTON: Tropical Storm Ian is churn in the Caribbean and gaining strength as it moves towards western Cuba. And now it's forecast to become a hurricane today and expected to turn into a major hurricane by Tuesday. A tropical storm warning already has been issued for the Florida Keys as Ian is expected to impact that area.

And NASA officials have decided to wait until later today before deciding whether or not to move the Artemis rocket to the -- for its own safety, and that would be to the vehicle assembly building. Now Tuesday's scheduled Artemis 1 launch was postponed last Saturday over concerns about Tropical Storm Ian. Now officials review the weather data before making the final decision to roll back that rocket.

Now it doesn't just sound like the plot from a Hollywood movie. It was the plot of a Hollywood movie, but I can assure you this apparently, is no work of fiction. NASA is trying to redirect an asteroid. It is preparing to carry out its first planetary defense test or DART.

The goal is to try and knock an asteroid from its current path. Now, a reminder, there is no danger from this asteroid, but the mission is a test run just in case that Hollywood plot comes to fruition.

An astrophysicist explains now why this mission is so important.

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NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON, ASTROPHYSICIST: I think it's one of the best ideas ever put into a space mission because built into it is the future security and safety of our species, and of course, other species on earth.

So, the then asteroid is discovered headed towards us. You want to know that somebody has tested what it would take to deflect it. Deflecting an asteroid is by far, the most sensible intelligent thing to do. So, this is a test mission for that. We should have been doing it decades ago.

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[03:55:02] NEWTON: OK, I'm glad we're doing it now. And now you can watch a live broadcast of the mission on NASA's web site from 6 p.m. Eastern today. NASA will also hold a post-mission briefing.

Now the U.S. team won its ninth consecutive President's Cup golf tournament Sunday. The U.S. survived a comeback attempt from the international team winning by a final score of 17 and a half to 12 and a half as Alexander Schauffele scored the decisive put on the 18th hole in his match against Canadian Corey Conners to clinch the U.S. team's overall victory.

Now looming over the tournament was the upstart Saudi-backed LIV Golf league. The golfers aren't allowed in fact to compete in the President's Cup. And that cost both rosters and several potential players. The U.S. has now won 12 out of 14 President's Cups. The next event will be held in Montreal in 2024.

And before we go, the performer at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show will be -- Rihanna confirmed the NFL's announcement with this simple tweet showing her hand holding a football. Not so subtle, huh.

All right. I want to thank you for your company. I'm Paula Newton. Have a great day. CNN Newsroom continues with Christina Macfarlane.

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