CNN Political Briefing

In the wake of two mass shootings at a school in Texas and a grocery store in upstate New York, those directly affected shared their tragic stories and called for legislative action to a House committee. You’ll hear several heartbreaking testimonies today, as CNN Political Director David Chalian explains the progress made so far by lawmakers on potential gun reform. Some of what you’ll hear is graphic – please listen with discretion and care.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s primary day in seven states today and both political parties will be closely watching the elections in California. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why two local races in the Sunshine state will provide critical feedback about how to run campaigns for November and beyond.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a big week for the January 6th House select committee and former President Donald Trump is gearing up some GOP allies to go on the attack. CNN Political Director David Chalian shares what some committee members are previewing before Thursday’s primetime hearing and what viewers should expect. Will the committee succeed at capturing America’s attention?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This month marks 50 years since the Watergate scandal rocked the Nixon presidency, but many of the scandal’s lessons still seem fresh. We sat down with former Nixon White House aide John Dean, as CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down the Watergate scandal – and what it tells us as the Jan. 6th House select committee prepares for public hearings next week. Don’t miss the “Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal” premiere this Sunday at 9pm and 10pm ET on CNN.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Newly-revealed texts to former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows during the Capitol insurrection show GOP lawmakers pleading for former President Donald Trump to intervene. CNN Editor-at-Large Chris Cilizza breaks down who sent the texts, and what’s in them. Plus, what Republican leaders are saying ahead of the Jan. 6th House select committee’s public hearings next month.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers in both Texas and the nation’s capital are debating legislation in the wake of last week’s shooting in Uvalde. CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes explains the latest with the shooting investigation and what legislators at all levels are saying on both sides of the aisle. Has the time come for meaningful reform in the US?To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Joe Biden and his administration are kicking off a monthlong focus on the economy this week. CNN's Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny sums up Biden's plans and why it's going to be an uphill battle for him and his party to convince Americans they've got a handle on inflation and the economy. The polls don't paint a pretty picture, and some critics don't have as optimistic of a view on the economy as the President Biden does.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, the community of Uvalde, Texas is rattled by the news that law enforcement say they made a mistake by not immediately breaking into the classroom during Tuesday’s shooting that left 21 people dead. CNN Political Director David Chalian breaks down the latest with the investigation and how lawmakers on Capitol Hill are responding. The state is especially on edge with the National Rifle Association kicking off its annual, weekend-long event in Houston. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this month, the Jan. 6th House select committee subpoenaed five members of Congress, after they refused to testify voluntarily. At least three have since objected to or contested the subpoenas. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains what the House members are telling the committee – and what to look for as the select committee prepares for public hearings in June.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday, a gunman shot and killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Today, politicians on both sides of the aisle are repeating the same messages they’ve given after other mass shootings. CNN Political Director David Chalian explains why little political change is expected after the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices