CNN One Thing

French voters are headed back to the polls this weekend in runoff parliamentary elections, one week after a strong showing from the far-right National Rally party. Hundreds of candidates in President Emmanuel Macron’s camp and the left-wing alliance have since dropped out of the race in hopes of blocking the far-right from power. In this episode, we examine what is fueling far-right parties across Europe and look at the 28-year-old who could soon become France’s youngest prime minister. Guest: Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Senior Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just in time for summer road trip season, CNN Travel has compiled a list of the best American towns to visit. In this episode, we examine what went into making the list and look at the one pressing issue they all share. Guest: Derek Van Dam, CNN Weather Anchor Read the full list here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court wraps up its current term on Monday. Justices are finally expected to issue a major decision on presidential immunity as it relates to special counsel Jack Smith's election subversion charges against former President Donald Trump. Another decision limiting obstruction charges for January 6th rioters could also have ramifications in that case. In this episode, we break down what it said and why a separate ruling is sending shockwaves through the federal government. Guest: John Fritze, CNN Supreme Court Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first debate matchup between President Biden and former President Donald Trump, Biden turned in a lackluster performance that has some Democrats wondering if concerns about his age might be valid. In this special episode of One Thing, we break down the moments that mattered from the CNN presidential debate and look at where both campaigns go from here. Guest: Kristen Holmes, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will debate each other live on CNN, the earliest general election debate in US history. The debate is being held at a CNN studio in the key swing state of Georgia, which helped deliver the presidency to Biden in 2020. In this episode, we go inside the debate studio to preview the event and hear from Atlanta-area voters about what they want to hear from the candidates (if they'll even be watching). Guest: David Chalian, CNN Political Director Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As extreme heat blankets large parts of the US, a war is looming between the US and Mexico over water. Under an 80-year-old treaty, both sides are expected to share resources from key rivers. However, extreme drought conditions have put Mexico well behind in delivering its share. In this episode, we examine how the shortfall is impacting American farmers and look at what can be done to factor climate change into future agreements. Guest: Laura Paddison, CNN Senior Climate Writer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new push from some of America’s top companies are prioritizing skills over college degrees in hopes of diversifying the workforce and narrowing the racial wealth gap. Some young people are choosing shorter periods of specialized training so they can enter the workforce more quickly. In this episode, we hear what’s behind the growing dissatisfaction with the traditional college process and how it could upend the higher education industry. Guest: Athena Jones, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five years after the fall of the self-declared caliphate, tens of thousands of ISIS followers and their families are being held in dozens of detention facilities in Syria that human rights groups describe as a ‘legal black hole.’ In this episode, CNN gets unprecedented access to some of these facilities and hears from mothers and children facing dire conditions and uncertain futures. Guest: Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hunter Biden was found guilty on three federal felony gun charges on Tuesday, becoming the first child of a US president to be convicted of a federal crime. In this episode, we examine how the fallout could impact the presidential race and look ahead to Hunter’s next trial in September. Guest: Marshall Cohen, CNN Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With less than five months until Election Day, coverage of the campaign is about to heat up. In this episode, we explain how candidates are calibrating their media footprints in key swing states. Plus, we have a guide to navigating potential disinformation and AI-generated content on social media. Guest: Hadas Gold, CNN Media Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a felony. So, what happens now? Audie Cornish is joined by CNN Correspondent Kristen Holmes from outside Trump Tower to walk us through the next steps in the case and the potential impact this verdict could have on the election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Note: This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence. Outrage has rippled through the entertainment industry ever since CNN exclusively obtained disturbing surveillance video showing Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016. After initially denying the incident and others alleged ever happened, Diddy apologized for his actions in the video. In this episode, we explore why many say the apology falls short and look at how the case fits into the wider #MeToo movement. Guest: Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Entertainment Correspondent If you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, there are resources available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump’s ex-attorney and fixer Michael Cohen took the stand this week in the former President’s New York criminal hush money trial. During cross-examination, Trump’s lawyers appeared to strike a blow against Cohen’s credibility. In this episode, we examine how the testimony could swing the trial as we near the end of the prosecution’s case. Guest: Kara Scannell, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this month, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called on President Joe Biden to drop out of the race, insisting he is the only one who can beat former President Donald Trump. Despite running well behind Biden in the polls, some experts believe he will pull enough support from both candidates to impact the election. In this episode, we explore Kennedy’s controversial candidacy and how voters, Biden and Trump are responding to it. Guest: Aaron Pellish, CNN Campaign Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In recent weeks, several colleges have called in police to break up pro-Palestinian encampments that have popped up on campuses across the country. While demands from students vary from school to school, one of the most common is for universities to divest from Israel-linked businesses and entities. In this episode, we hear about the history of divestment protests at Columbia University and how these campaigns would play out in practice. Guest: Matt Egan, CNN Business Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 years ago, hundreds of Chibok schoolgirls in Nigeria were abducted and held hostage by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The quest to rescue them captured the world’s attention, aided by pleas from high-profile figures and a viral hashtag online. But a decade later, those who escaped are still dealing with the fallout and others are left wondering if they will ever see their loved ones again. In this episode, we hear the story of one survivor and look at the state of girls’ education in the country. Guest: Stephanie Busari, CNN Senior Editor - Africa Read more here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two top scientific bodies recently announced that coral reefs around the world are experiencing a mass bleaching event for just the fourth time. It comes amid surging ocean temperatures over the past year, which has been the warmest on record. In this episode, we examine how a number of extreme climate change-fueled events – including coral bleaching – are on display in Australia and whether they could provide lessons in climate resiliency for the rest of the world. Guest: Ivan Watson, CNN Senior International Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than a year after being charged, the hush money criminal trial of former President Donald Trump is set to begin this week in New York City. It comes amid numerous delays in his other criminal cases, with time ticking down until the presidential election in November. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In this episode, we examine the challenges of seating a jury in an unprecedented case like this and look at both sides’ legal arguments. Guest: Paula Reid, CNN Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Millions of eyes will be on the sky Monday when the last total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States until 2044 arrives. Tourists from all over the country are flocking to the path of totality in hopes of getting the clearest view, but it remains to be seen if the weather will cooperate. In this episode, we answer some common questions about the event and examine whether space phenomena can unite Americans like it did decades ago. Guest: Kristin Fisher, CNN Space & Defense Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the Tennessee legislature expelled state representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for protesting inaction on gun violence last year, more people became aware of how the state’s Republican supermajority operates. However, there are Republicans and Democrats who say the current way of doing business is making it hard to get any kind of legislation passed. In this episode, we hear from grassroots lawmakers about how the gridlock is impacting their constituents and what it can tell us about our national politics ahead of the election in November. Guest: Van Jones, CNN Political Commentator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments this week in a case that could restrict access to a widely used abortion pill - even in states where the procedure is still allowed. It is another major moment in the battle over reproductive rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade and a controversial ruling in Alabama which cast doubt on the future of IVF treatment. In this episode, we hear what the justices will be considering and look at how the current state of abortion access is impacting women in Republican states. Guests: Meg Tirrell, CNN Medical Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this week, Haitian prime minister Ariel Henry announced he would resign amid spreading gang violence and instability. The United Nations estimates that gangs control nearly 80% of Haiti’s capital, brutalizing civilians and attacking police. Meanwhile, a Kenyan-led force is set to take over security on the island once a presidential council is in place, but there are major questions about how effective it will be. In this episode, a CNN team describes what they heard from residents about the terrors they’ve faced and what they want for the future. Guests: David Culver, CNN Senior National Correspondent & Caitlin Hu, CNN Senior Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite efforts from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to increase diversity, many groups still feel more could be done. In January, hundreds of Hollywood figures urged the Academy to include Jews in its representation and inclusion standards, saying the omission “erases Jewish peoplehood and perpetuates myths of Jewish whiteness.” In this episode, we examine the history of antisemitism in Hollywood and whether diversity initiatives are making a meaningful impact beyond the Oscars. Guest: Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Entertainment Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As opioid overdose deaths continue at a near-record pace, many cities are seeing the problem play out on public streets. In Oregon, state leaders recently teamed up to declare a 90-day state of emergency in downtown Portland which will direct resources to help combat the fentanyl crisis. In this episode, we examine why fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have become such a danger to drug users, and whether Portland’s approach can be a model for other cities across the country. Guest: Josh Campbell, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, thousands of soldiers on both sides have been killed and multiple cities have been destroyed. Recently, Ukraine has been forced to retreat from the city of Avdiivka amid dwindling ammunition supplies. Meanwhile, Western unity has started to show cracks and billions of dollars in US aid have been held up amid hesitation from congressional Republicans. In this episode, we hear from soldiers on the frontlines about what it’s like to fight with a lack of ammo and how two years of war have changed the country. Guest: Ivana Kottasová, CNN International Senior Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the aftermath of special counsel Robert Hur’s report stating that President Joe Biden would present to a jury as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” age and mental competency are once again being talked about on the campaign trail. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has continually attacked Biden and former President Donald Trump over their age, while also proposing politicians over age 75 take a mental competency test. In this episode, we examine how older voters in South Carolina feel about age as a campaign issue ahead of the state’s Republican primary. Guest: Kylie Atwood, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite blockbuster jobs numbers, robust consumer spending, and easing inflation, many Americans do not feel good about the US economy. The negative feelings are especially strong amongst young people struggling to pay their bills. Meanwhile, many are finding it hard – if not impossible – to imagine they will ever own a home. In this episode, we examine how Gen Z is turning to TikTok for financial advice and whether these negative feelings could impact President Joe Biden’s reelection chances. Guest: Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Business and Politics Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December, the Colorado Supreme Court shocked the political world when it removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot under the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist clause.” The US Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the case this week following a fast-tracked appeals process. In this episode, we examine the untested legal theory, Trump’s defense, and how the justices’ decision could reverberate well beyond this year’s election. Guest: Joan Biskupic, CNN Senior Supreme Court Analyst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, igniting a massive inferno which spewed poisonous chemicals in the air. In the days and weeks after, some residents who had evacuated wondered whether it would ever be safe enough to return to their homes. Nearly a year later, that sentiment remains along with anger pointed at the federal government and Norfolk Southern over what some see as an inadequate response. In this episode, we hear from affected residents and business owners about their uncertain futures. Guest: Jason Carroll, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After former President Donald Trump’s resounding win in Iowa, the Republican primary shifts to New Hampshire. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley are banking on undeclared voters to swing their way as Trump sharpens his attacks against the only two candidates left in the race. In this episode, we hear how those independents could change the dynamic of the race and why President Joe Biden’s campaign is quietly concerned about the Democratic primary in the state. Guest: Kasie Hunt, CNN Chief National Affairs Analyst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iowa Republicans will gather this week to pick a nominee for president in the first party event of the 2024 primary. While former president Donald Trump holds a large lead in the polls, undecided voters have been weighing whether his multiple criminal indictments and efforts to overturn the last election mean it’s time to move on. In this episode, we hear from a group of Iowans about how they feel about the rest of the field and examine what to watch for on caucus night. Guest: John King, CNN Chief National Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Border crossings along the US-Mexico border reached a record high last month, overwhelming resources in border communities and adding urgency to immigration reform negotiations on Capitol Hill. While migrant encounters have dropped in recent days, the issue will remain a lively political issue as presidential primaries get underway and House Republicans begin impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. In this episode, we examine the reality on the ground and hear how the impacts of policies in Texas are being felt in communities across the country. Guest: Ed Lavandera, CNN Senior National Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we enter 2024, all eyes will be on the Iowa caucuses later this month to see if Republican voters have any appetite for moving on from former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the Republican frontrunner continues to make statements on the campaign trail that experts say sound increasingly authoritarian. What should we make of the stark rhetoric? In this episode, we hear a conversation between CNN’s Audie Cornish and Kristen Holmes about what exactly Trump has planned for a possible second term. Listen to “The Assignment with Audie Cornish” here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We do our best on this show to stay on top of the news – but even we couldn’t cover everything in 2023. In this episode, we hear from a group of CNN correspondents and reporters about what we missed - and what we should be looking out for in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came to Washington DC earlier this week to plead with Congress to come together on $61 billion in new aid for the country in its war against Russia. His visit comes amid a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive and improved Russian performance on the battlefield. In this episode, we hear how Ukrainian forces are adapting to waning Western support and why this is a moment Russian President Vladimir Putin may be able to seize on in Moscow. Guest: Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Chief International Security Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A high-profile criminal trial is underway in Atlanta that could have major implications for the music industry. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has alleged Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug is the cofounder of a criminal street gang responsible for violent acts and is pointing to his song lyrics as proof of the gang’s existence. In this episode, we examine the case and the controversy around the RICO statue used to charge it – the same law used to indict former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants in connection with their alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Guest: Ryan Young, CNN Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the last few years, Anderson Cooper has been going through boxes of things that belonged to belonged to his dad, who died when he was 10, his brother, who died when he was 21, and his mom, who died in 2019. He documented that journey in the first season of his podcast, “All There Is.” Now the podcast is back for a new season. In this episode, we hear from Anderson about what drove him to keep exploring grief and loss and how he brought what he learned with him to cover the Israel-Hamas war. Guest: Anderson Cooper, CNN Anchor Listen to “All There Is” here. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the COP28 climate conference kicks off this week, world leaders will gather to discuss potential solutions to the crisis. Experts are increasingly looking at how artificial intelligence can help address certain aspects, despite a lack of regulation around the emerging technology. In this episode, we examine how AI could be used and look at whether the infrastructure needed to run the programs may actually end up harming the environment. Guests: Rachel Ramirez, CNN Climate Reporter Clare Duffy, CNN Technology Reporter Read more at CNN’s Road to COP28 here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Title 42 expired in May, some expected an influx of migrants to descend on communities along the US-Mexico border. While overall encounters dropped in October, some people say they are experiencing a growing number of migrants arriving on their properties. In this episode, we hear from some in the San Diego area about what they’re experiencing and explore why most migrants actually want to be encountered by border authorities. Guest: David Culver, CNN Senior National Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this year, record-setting wildfires in eastern Canada sent plumes of unhealthy air over US cities normally unaccustomed to wildfire smoke. Experts say climate change is making fires like these more likely and more intense. In today’s episode, we hear how a previous blaze in Canada changed how firefighters do battle with the flames and what it can tell us about how the building industry needs to adapt. Guest: John Vaillant, author of “Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World” Read more at CNN’s Road to COP28 here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Israel moves troops into Gaza and continues to launch airstrikes as retaliation for the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack, thousands of civilians remain in the crosshairs. What does that mean for US support of Israel? In today’s episode, we explore how President Joe Biden is weighing humanitarian concerns with fears of a wider war in the region. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Anchor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four former allies of former President Donald Trump have pleaded guilty in the Georgia election subversion case in recent days, with all agreeing to testify on behalf of the prosecution at future trials. Meanwhile, a New York judge overseeing Trump’s civil fraud trial fined the former president $10,000 on Wednesday for violating a gag order. In today’s episode, we look at how the growing legal pressure could impact the former president as he balances the courtroom with the campaign trail. Guest: Paula Reid, CNN Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new state law in Florida is making it easier for conservative groups to get certain books removed from school libraries. It has turned school board meetings into spectacles, with parents and outside voices reading out explicit passages from books without context to argue that they should not be available to minors. In today’s episode, we explore the tactics and hear from students about how they feel about the effort by adults to control which books they have access to. Guest: Elle Reeve, CNN Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hamas assault on Israel has shocked the world and sparked fierce retaliation from Israel. Thousands of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza, while Hamas claims to be holding over 100 people hostage. In today’s episode, we hear from our teams on the ground in Israel and people living through the conflict. Guests: Nic Robertson, CNN International Diplomatic Editor Becky Anderson, CNN International Anchor Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent Listen to Tug of War here. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2020, firearms surpassed motor vehicle accidents to become the No. 1 killer of children and teens in America. More than 1,300 children and teens have been killed by a gun so far this year, prompting calls for stricter regulations. However, behind those statistics and policy debates are devastating stories of loss and families left behind to pick up the pieces. In today’s episode, we hear one of those stories and look at how the parents of Anthony Alexander, Jr. are hoping their son’s legacy will bring about positive change in their community. Guest: Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Digital Writer Read more from CNN Digital here. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hunter Biden is due in court this week on federal gun charges after becoming the first child of a sitting president to be charged by the Justice Department. Separately, House Republicans held their first public hearing last week in the impeachment inquiry into his father - President Joe Biden – despite failing to show any evidence that the president himself received foreign money. There can be a lot to keep track of, so: what are the facts, and what is just political posturing? In today’s episode, we examine the long legal saga of Hunter Biden and how it could impact the 2024 presidential race. Guest: Kara Scannell, CNN Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the apparent death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin last month, there were questions about the future of the mercenary group and what Russian president Vladimir Putin would do to take back control. In today’s episode, CNN travels to the Central African Republic to see what that future looks like on the ground. We examine why Wagner remains popular there despite Prigozhin's death and look at why Russia continues to expand its reach into Africa. Plus, we get an update on the war in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky pleads with Western countries for more aid. Guest: Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week, the FDA and CDC signed off on updated Covid-19 vaccines that target currently circulating variants. It comes amid a recent uptick in hospitalizations and deaths in the United States ahead of winter that could see threats from three respiratory viruses – coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus. In today’s episode, we answer some frequently asked questions about the updated Covid-19 vaccines and look at how we should approach the virus nearly more than three years after its emergence. Guest: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Listen to Chasing Life here. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a series of incidents in San Francisco, California authorities have asked General Motors to take some of its Cruise robotaxis off the road. It comes not long after California regulators gave the greenlight for Cruise and its competitor Waymo to charge for robotaxi rides in the city at any time of day. So what does that mean for the future of driverless cars? In today’s episode, we examine what it’s like to ride in one and why the technology has become a flashpoint in multiple cities. Guest: Veronica Miracle, CNN Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a new NFL season kicks off this week, old questions about the game’s safety are being asked following Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest and Tua Tagovailoa’s multiple concussions last year. And it’s not just the pros: youth leagues around the countries have adjusted practice routines and safety protocols to guard against injuries that can carry long-term impacts. In today’s episode, we examine football’s deadly history and how it’s informing today’s game. Plus, CNN gets a look at new technology that could one day predict injuries before they happen. Guest: Coy Wire, CNN Sports Anchor & Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices