CNN One Thing

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

The podcast explores how despite positive economic indicators, many Americans, especially Gen Z, are not optimistic about the economy. It examines the role of TikTok in providing financial advice and discusses the potential impact on President Biden's reelection chances. The podcast also delves into the affordability crisis in America, the rise of Loud Budgeting, the disconnect between people's feelings about the economy and actual data, and the impact of deflation and disinflation on personal finances.

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