
CNN One Thing
369 episodes — Page 3 of 8
How Vaccine Opt-Outs Could Put Classrooms at Risk
As schools start to reopen across the country, new CDC data shows that a record share of US kindergartners missed required vaccinations last school year. It comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to downplay vaccine efficacy and slash funding for research and development. We hear from a county health administrator in Texas who is concerned an ongoing measles outbreak could soon arrive on his doorstep. Guest: Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County Health & Human Services director Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Deirdre McPhillips, Jamie Gumbrecht Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump Thinks the Jobs Numbers are Rigged. Here’s the Reality.
President Donald Trump’s firing of the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics has some economic experts on edge just as new tariffs are about to take effect. We examine how Trump’s attempts to control official narratives are out of an authoritarian playbook and look at its potential impact on all Americans. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent & Anchor Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Trump’s EPA Wants to Ditch Its Most Powerful Pollution Tool
Climate scientists are sounding the alarm after the Trump administration proposed to repeal a landmark finding that human-caused climate change endangers human health and safety, which has been the basis for several federal rules limiting greenhouse gas pollution. We hear from a former EPA administrator who is worried the move could end up empowering bad actors in the business world. Guest: Christine Todd Whitman, former EPA administrator Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Host/Producer: David Rind Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is the Hunger Crisis in Gaza a Tipping Point in the War?
Israel has taken some steps to relax restrictions on aid into Gaza in recent days amid a steady stream of horrific images of starving and emaciated Palestinians emerging from the besieged enclave. We hear from the leader of one aid group who believes much more needs to be done – and why only one man can help make it happen. Guest: Arwa Damon, president/founder of International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance (INARA) Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Host/Producer: David Rind Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Psychedelics in the Trump Era: From Counterculture...to Conservative?
Former Texas governor and US Energy Secretary Rick Perry is not someone you’d think would be advocating for controversial psychedelic therapies to treat mental illness and PTSD. Yet he is one of a growing number of prominent Republican voices stepping forward to push for more research. In part two of our series, we trace why the politics of psychedelics have shifted over the decades, and whether HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will hurt or help the cause. Guest: Jane C. Hu, science journalist and writer, The Microdose newsletter Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
MAGA Is Hungry for More Epstein Info. Will Trump Feed Them?
While President Donald Trump seems eager to move on from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the loudest MAGA voices don’t seem to be. But will the backlash actually hurt Trump’s presidency? We dig into just how much anger there actually is amongst Republicans and why there is a growing bipartisan push for transparency in Congress. Guest: Aaron Blake, CNN Senior Reporter Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Psychedelics in the Trump Era: A Veteran’s Road to Recovery
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump officials seem open to embracing psychedelics as treatment for serious conditions trauma, depression and drug addiction. The shift has excited advocates, but some experts worry the hype could be getting ahead of science and safety. In part one of a two-part series, we hear from someone who says a powerful hallucinogen helped kick her drug habit. Guest: Samantha Juan, US Army veteran Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AI & Antisemitism: Can They Be Separated?
Note: This episode contains descriptions of offensive language. Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI was forced to issue an apology after its chatbot Grok started spewing violent and antisemitic responses to user prompts last week. We examine why Grok isn’t the only chatbot that has an antisemitism problem and why hate speech might actually be part of the solution. Guest: Hadas Gold, CNN Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Scammers Are in Their ‘FraudGPT’ Era
A recent diplomatic cable revealed that someone has been using artificial intelligence to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a bid to gain access to accounts or information. It comes amid a rise in deepfake scams targeting victims around the world. We look at whether law enforcement is equipped to deal with the problem – and what a different approach might look like. Guest: David Maimon, SentiLink Head of Fraud Insights/Georgia State University Professor of Criminology Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Should We Rethink Extreme Weather Warnings?
In the days since the catastrophic flooding in central Texas, some have been asking: could more have been done to warn residents? We examine what we know about the communication between federal and local officials and look at how a warming world might necessitate a different approach to emergency notifications. Guest: Bernadette Woods Placky, Climate Central Chief Meteorologist Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside a Rush to Relocate from Trump’s America
More Americans are starting to follow through with threats to leave the country in President Trump’s second term. We hear about what went into one family’s decision and why some are leaning on dual citizenship as a defacto ‘insurance policy.’ Guest: Anna Cooban, CNN Business and Economics Reporter Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Episode photo: Megan Varner/Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What Trump's Megabill Could Mean for Your Bills
As President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package nears a final vote in Congress, many Americans just want to know how the bill would impact their lives. We explain how it could increase how much you pay for electricity and transportation – no matter where you live. Guest: Ella Nilsen, CNN Climate Reporter See the projection for your state here. Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

His Case Legalized Gay Marriage. Now He Wants to Make Sure it Sticks.
10 years ago, the US Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, changing the lives of millions of Americans. We hear from the lead plaintiff about why he thinks the precedent is under threat from right-wing allies of President Donald Trump. Guest: Jim Obergefell Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Episode Photo: Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump Wants the Israel-Iran Ceasefire to Stick. It May Not Be Up to Him.
Note: This episode contains strong language. The Middle East remains on edge after President Donald Trump brokered a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. We break down whether recent military moves will deter Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon and how Trump’s approach to peace could have repercussions in the future. Guests: Kimberly Dozier, CNN Global Affairs Analyst Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cuomo on the Cusp of a Comeback in NYC
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was praised by Democrats in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic for his strong and steady leadership. A little more than a year later, he had resigned in disgrace following multiple sexual harassment allegations (he denied wrongdoing). Now, he is attempting an unlikely political comeback in New York City. We break down the June 24 mayoral primary and how it could impact the city’s standing with the Trump administration. Guests: Gloria Pazmino, CNN Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Episode Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Civilian Cost of Israel and Iran’s Conflict
As Israel and Iran strike each other, civilians are caught in the middle. We hear about how people in both countries are coping and get an explainer on why Iran’s nuclear program is so contentious. Guests: Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent & Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Chief International Security Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘It's Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell 2.0.’: Trump’s Trans Service Member Ban
Transgender troops have begun separating from the military under a Pentagon policy dismissing service members who have a diagnosis, history or exhibit symptoms of gender dysphoria. We hear from a transgender service member who says the fallout reminds him of one of the military’s darkest periods. Guest: Benjamin Kibler, US Navy Senior Chief Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Episode Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Public Safety and Politics Collide in LA
After President Trump deployed thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines to California to stop immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles, other states are wondering: are we next? We hear about how Trump overrode Governor Gavin Newsom and what it could mean for future protests. Guest: Josh Campbell, CNN Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Trump’s Coal Cuts Are Hitting His Diehards
President Donald Trump wants coal to be king again – but what about the people who have risked everything to extract it? A CNN investigation has revealed how the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency have slashed protections for vulnerable coal miners. Guest: Kyung Lah, CNN Senior Investigative Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Episode Photo by: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A GOP Trump Critic Wants Others to Speak Out. Will They Listen?
A post-Trump GOP Is years away, but some are already planning. In a conversation recorded live at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival, we hear from one of Trump’s loudest critics from his first term about whether current Republicans can push back without jeopardizing their political futures. Guest: Jeff Flake, former US Ambassador to Turkey Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Under RFK Jr.’s HHS, Who Decides the Facts?
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement that the Covid-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women has sparked concern among many health experts. We hear from one of them who thinks this is just the latest in a line of moves that could undermine trust in science. Guest: Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Episode photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Congress Makes the Case for Crypto
President Donald Trump’s embrace of the cryptocurrency industry has boosted the value of multiple digital assets, while raising thorny conflict of interest questions stemming from his personal crypto ventures. We break down a bill moving through Congress that could have wide-ranging impacts – even for those who have never invested in crypto. Guest: Hilary Allen, Professor of Law at American University Washington College of Law Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Total Disaster’: Why Some Fear Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Bill
The House passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill on Thursday, despite divisions within the GOP. We break down what’s in it and hear from a Medicaid recipient who is worried she could lose coverage at the worst possible time. Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Trump Clouded America’s Weather Forecasting
As hurricane season approaches, the National Weather Service is grappling with a DOGE-fueled staffing shortage that has left some local offices unable to operate 24/7. A former meteorologist explains why it’s leaving behind a patchwork system that could threaten lives when disaster strikes. Guest: Andrew Freedman, CNN Climate & Weather Senior Reporter & Brian LaMarre, former NWS meteorologist Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What to Expect When You’re Expecting More Tariffs
The US and China have agreed to drastically walk back their trade war – for now. But will consumers feel the pain anyway? The co-founder of a baby products company tells us why he isn’t afraid to talk to his customers about tariffs. Guest: Michael Wieder, Lalo co-founder Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump, a Newborn, and Her Parents' Birthright Fight
The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case involving President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. We examine how the outcome could impact other Trump court cases and hear from immigrant parents of a new baby who are worried their child could be branded an ‘outcast.’ Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Air Traffic, Out of Control?
The Department of Transportation announced it will build a “brand new air traffic control system” by 2029. It follows more than a week of massive delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport sparked by a frightening communications blackout. We look at the plan for the new system and hear from a former air traffic controller who says government funding is at the heart of the problem. Guest: Michael McCormick, Air Traffic Management Program Coordinator at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University & Alexandra Skores, CNN Transportation Reporter Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conclave Watch: The Book That 'Pope Pilled’ The Internet
Interest in the 2024 Oscar-winning film “Conclave” skyrocketed as Cardinals gathered in Rome this week and elected Pope Leo XIV. We talk with the author of the book that inspired the movie, who shares why he thinks the story has resonated with Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Guest: “Conclave” author Robert Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conclave Watch: An American Pope
We have a pope – and he’s an American! Cardinal Robert Prevost has been selected as the next pope, the first American pontiff in history. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. We break down the significance of this unprecedented moment and what challenges the Catholic Church's new leader will face as he takes over. Guest: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conclave Watch: We Have a Nope
Spoiler alert: we don't have a new pope – yet. While we wait, we get an update from St. Peter’s Square as the conclave begins and dig into the political ramifications of the job. Guests: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent & Massimo Faggioli, Villanova University theology professor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Beginner’s Guide to the Papal Conclave
Catholic cardinals in Rome are preparing to pick a new leader following the death of Pope Francis. We break down what to expect from the private ritual and look at why questions about the church’s future will persist no matter who is selected. Guest: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent Have a question about the news? Have a story you think we should cover? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why It’s So Easy to Fall for Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out. Listen to ‘Persuadable’ here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Americans Are Souring on Trump. Does He Care?
New CNN polling shows historically low approval ratings for President Donald Trump as he moves past his 100th day in office. We hear from a first-time Trump voter how he feels about his vote now and look at how the Trump administration may approach the next 100 days. Guest: Alayna Treene, CNN White House Reporter Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Horse Racing on Its Last Legs?
Ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby, horse racing critics are asking familiar questions about animal safety and care in an industry fueled by gambling. We examine how high-profile horse deaths and an FBI investigation into doping allegations have pushed the sport towards reforms. Guest: Katie Bo Lillis, CNN Senior Reporter & Author, “Death of a Racehorse: An American Story” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Trump is Sticking with Hegseth (For Now)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire following revelations that he shared detailed military plans on a second Signal group chat. It comes amid infighting with his closest advisers. We examine the unfolding drama at the Pentagon and how it could impact military operations. Guest: Haley Britzky, CNN National Security Reporter Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Remembering Pope Francis
A look back on the life, papacy and legacy of Pope Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
They Got Into Dream Schools. Trump Got Involved. Now What?
Harvard University is refusing to make key policy changes requested by the Trump administration, kicking off a funding fight with students and researchers caught in the middle. We look at what’s next for other universities and hear from incoming Harvard and Columbia freshmen about how they feel about their college choices now. Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The US-El Salvador Deportation Deal, Explained
President Donald Trump and El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele have both made clear in recent days that the Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador won’t be returned to the United States. We hear why Bukele is so eager to work with Trump on immigration issues and get a firsthand account of the notorious mega-prison Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is being held in. Guest: David Culver, CNN Senior National Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Inside Trump’s ‘Dangerous’ Health Research Cuts
Researchers and study participants across the country are grappling with the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of research grants directed by the Trump administration. We hear from one researcher who believes anti-DEI policies led to the defunding of her clinical trials. Guest: Katie Edwards, University of Michigan Professor of Social Work Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Trump’s Tariff Trade War Could Hit You
As President Donald Trump plows ahead with his plan to impose massive tariffs on America’s trading partners, fear and uncertainty have taken hold from Wall Street to Main Street. We examine how the administration is handling blowback from the business world and look at how your finances could be impacted. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent & Anchor Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Hidden Costs of Trump’s National Parks Cuts
As DOGE-led cuts continue to rock the federal government, we hear from National Parks employees about what’s at stake for visitors and wildlife, as well as the threat to the preservation of the history behind public lands. Guests: Andria Townsend & Helen Dhue Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This Group Has a ‘Deportation List.’ Is the Government Reading It?
As federal agents detain a growing number of international college students, some are wondering: where are they getting these names? We hear about pro-Israel groups working to reveal details about student activists and how it could chill free speech. Guests: Gloria Pazmino, CNN Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Musk Is Pouring Millions into Wisconsin
Elon Musk and other outside groups have poured millions of dollars into advertising and organizing ahead of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election on Tuesday. We hear about why the outcome could tell us something about the national political mood early into the second Trump administration. Guest: Arlette Saenz, CNN Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump’s DEI Data Purge
As datasets and web pages across the federal government disappear to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders, a coalition of concerned citizens is rushing to preserve information and access. We talk to one of the researchers behind the Data Rescue Project about how they're doing that work and how federal data purges could impact trust in government. Guest: Lynda Kellam Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tesla in Trouble
Since Inauguration Day, Tesla has seen its stock price drop amid declining consumer interest and occasionally violent protests pushing back against CEO Elon Musk. We hear from drivers who have (and haven’t) ditched their cars and explore why it’s not just DOGE giving the company reason to worry. Guest: Allison Morrow, CNN Business Senior Writer Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If a Judge Says It, Do You Have to Do It?
The Trump White House is denying it defied a judge’s order to halt deportation flights by using a wartime power to speed up removals. A former federal prosecutor tells us why the administration’s rhetoric may be brasher than its legal arguments. Guest: Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can You Be Deported for What You Say?
A Trump administration effort to deport prominent Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has sparked fear on college campuses across the country that other international students could be targeted for their views. A year after student protests unsettled the nation, we look at the new administration’s moves on college campuses and hear from someone worried even US citizens could soon be caught up in the crackdown. Guests: Belinda Davis, Rutgers University Professor of History Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Government Cuts Are About to Ramp Up
Ahead of a March 13 deadline for federal agencies to submit reductions in force plans, one agency in particular has drawn the attention of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency: The Social Security Administration. We explore why advocates fear crucial outdated technology is ripe for outages which could put vulnerable Americans at risk. Guest: Tami Luhby, CNN Senior Writer Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Will ‘Don’t Give Up’ Cut It for Democrats?
Democrats continue to struggle with being an effective opposition party in a Washington under full Republican control. Ahead of a looming government shutdown, we hear from one lawmaker who thinks they’re “getting there.” Will voters buy it? Guest: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In MAGA Country, Musk Has Free Rein (For Now)
As President Donald Trump reshapes international relations and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency continues to gut the federal workforce, CNN wanted to know how his most diehard supporters feel about Trump 2.0. We found some are willing to tolerate potential financial hardship – but for how long? Guests: Elle Reeve, CNN Correspondent Have a tip or question about the new Trump administration? Call us at 202-240-2895. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices