

CNN One Thing
CNN
You’ve been overwhelmed with headlines all week – what's worth a closer look? One Thing takes you beyond the headlines and helps make sense of what everyone is talking about. Host David Rind talks to experts, reporters on the front lines and the real people impacted by the news about what they've learned – and why it matters. New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
Episodes
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Aug 18, 2024 • 18min
Why Ukraine’s Cross-Border Gamble is Paying Off
Daria Tarasova-Markina, a CNN Contributor with a keen eye on current events, discusses Ukraine's surprising cross-border offensive, capturing key territories amidst shifting military dynamics. She highlights the Biden administration's policy shift allowing Ukraine to strike for self-defense and the consequential reactions from Russian forces. Moreover, Daria dives into the contrasting motivations of soldiers on both sides, exposing unexpected support for Ukraine among some Russian troops. Amidst the ongoing conflict, she reflects on resilience and the emotional toll of war.

Aug 14, 2024 • 19min
Trump’s 2024 ‘X’ Factor: His New Opponent
Alayna Treene, a CNN Politics Reporter, dives into the shifting dynamics of the 2024 race as Kamala Harris rises in prominence. She discusses Trump’s difficulties in addressing voter enthusiasm and his chaotic campaign strategies. The conversation reveals the implications of a significant campaign hacking incident, linking it to broader security concerns, and highlights the challenges ahead as inflation and affordability issues loom. Treene provides insights into how Trump is trying to counter Harris's appeal while navigating a tumultuous political landscape.

Aug 11, 2024 • 20min
Two Astronauts. One Space Station. No End in Sight.
Kristin Fisher, a CNN Space & Defense Correspondent, dives into the riveting saga of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who remain aboard the International Space Station eight weeks past their return date. The discussion highlights Boeing's Starliner setbacks, revealing technical failures and safety concerns. Fischer addresses the psychological toll on the stranded astronauts, underscores reliance on private sector space travel, and explores potential contingencies, including SpaceX's Dragon as an alternative return option. The future of commercial spaceflight hangs in the balance.

Aug 7, 2024 • 18min
The Stock Market Panicked. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t.
Catherine Rampell, a CNN economic and political commentator, breaks down the recent turmoil in global stock markets and the implications of a disappointing US jobs report. She discusses how these events heighten expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Rampell delves into consumer perceptions, emphasizing the importance of self-care during economic uncertainty. She also critiques the political landscape regarding the middle class, underscoring its vital role in the nation's resilience and the challenges posed by rising costs and inflation.

Aug 4, 2024 • 20min
The Messy Business of ‘Cleaning’ Voter Rolls
As election officials around the country prepare for November’s election, a CNN investigation has found they are already being inundated with dubious complaints about inaccurate voter rolls. The group behind many of the challenges, True the Vote, has long pushed debunked voter-fraud theories. In this episode, we hear how a mobile app has empowered citizens to bring these challenges against their neighbors and look at the impact on regular voters and election administrators. Guest: Kyung Lah, CNN Senior Investigative Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 1, 2024 • 17min
Did Israel Just Kill a Key Ceasefire Negotiator?
The Middle East is on edge following the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh inside Iran. While Israel hasn’t commented on the strike, it came just hours after the Israeli military took credit for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah military commander in Lebanon. In this episode, we look at the impact of Haniyeh’s death on Gaza ceasefire negotiations and whether the region is about to tip into all-out war. Guest: Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Senior Investigations Writer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 31, 2024 • 17min
Maduro Claims Victory in Venezuela. Just Don’t Ask for Proof.
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was officially declared the winner of Sunday’s election, although his political opponent also claimed victory. The United States and multiple global leaders voiced skepticism about the results amid claims of election fraud and counting irregularities. In this episode, we examine what more Maduro means for the region and why so many Venezuelans are fed up with his regime. Guest: Alejandra Oraa, CNN en Español Anchor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 28, 2024 • 19min
Power Lines for the Left Behind
A sweltering summer is continuing around the world, as the planet continues to break records for the hottest day in recorded history. In the US, medical officials and utility companies in multiple cities are struggling to keep up. In this episode, we look at why power grid resiliency is so crucial to our climate futures and how an initiative is helping to electrify parts of Navajo Nation. Guest: Ed Lavandera, CNN Senior National Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 24, 2024 • 17min
A Golden Olympic Opportunity in Paris
The 2024 Summer Olympics get underway this week in Paris, with opening ceremonies set to play out in dramatic fashion on the River Seine. A number of new modern sports are also set to make their debut during the games. In this episode, we look at the events to watch and examine what the Olympics as an institution means in 2024. Guest: Bob Costas, CNN Contributor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2024 • 21min
Biden Bows Out. Will Democrats Embrace Harris?
After a disastrous debate performance prompted a flurry of calls from Democrats to step aside, President Joe Biden has announced his exit from the 2024 presidential race. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his place. In this episode, we’ll hear how Biden came to this stunning decision, and what's next for the Democratic Party, with just a few weeks left to coalesce around a new nominee before the convention. Guest: Edward-Isaac Dovere, CNN Senior Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices