CNN 5 Things

We start with key lines from President Donald Trump’s push for assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz. A federal judge ruled on key parts of RFK Jr.’s vaccine changes. We’ll tell you about the White House chief of staff’s health diagnosis. The Kennedy Center’s board gave its stamp of approval on a planned closure. Plus, details on Cuba’s latest power outage.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Countries are responding to President Donald Trump’s demand for help protecting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump administration officials are also criticizing the news media’s coverage of the war with Iran. The Democratic primary race for Illinois Senator Dick Durbin’s seat is heating up. New research suggests AI is giving some teens bad diet advice. Plus, we’re tracking a powerful storm hitting the east.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is demand that China and Europe send ships to help open the Strait of Hormuz.  Airline CEOs urge Congress to fund DHS to avert airport chaos.  The Kennedy Center board is scheduled to meet amid leadership overhaul.  ‘One Battle After Another’ tops the Oscars with six wins. Plus, the NCAA Basketball tournament field is set.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last year, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency took a chainsaw to the federal government, slashing jobs and cutting programs in the name of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. While it did not reduce spending, current and former government officials tell CNN that some of the cuts are hampering government readiness amid the Iran war. Now, the government is looking to ramp up hiring again – but only with workers who align with the Trump administration’s priorities. We hear from a former federal worker about how last year’s cuts impacted her, and from an expert who says he's concerned about adding more political appointees to the mix. 

For more: ‘A shell of our former self’: How Trump and Musk’s spending cuts are hampering US government readiness amid the Iran war 

--- 

Guests: Melissa Patsalides & Max Stier, Partnership for Public Service President and CEO 

Host: David Rind 

Producer: Paola Ortiz 

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Tami Luhby

Photo: Allison Robbert/AFP/Getty Images
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A legendary US Paralympian adds to her medal collection. CNN trekked deep into Thailand’s jungles to follow the surprising journey of a young tiger that’s giving conservationists hope. How the singer behind the hit song from “K-Pop Demon Hunters” reinvented herself after rejection. A car salesman found a way to stand out at his job, and his videos have gone viral. Plus, college students nationwide are training puppies with a purpose.  

Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. 

Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Allison Cho, Coy Wire, Will Ripley, Rosanna Philpott, Xavian Wu 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices