CNN 5 Things

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 

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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
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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.  

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Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco 

Producer: Eryn Mathewson  

Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin 

Editorial Support: Allison Cho, Coy Wire, Will Ripley, Rosanna Philpott, Xavian Wu 
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We start with the rising death toll on civilian and military personnel in the war, as protests against the US and Israel take place across Iran. A federal judge has thrown a wrench into the Justice Department’s investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. New details are emerging about the man who plowed into a Michigan synagogue. A deadly shooting at a Virginia university is now being investigated as terrorism. Plus, we tell you why millions more people may be advised to take cholesterol-lowering medication. 
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The US military is confirming the death of six US service members in Iraq, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gives an update on the war with Iran. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed an incident involving a man who rammed a car into a synagogue near Detroit. New data shows US economic growth was weaker than expected late last year. A bipartisan group of senators passed a bill aimed at improving housing affordability. Plus, Iran’s men’s soccer team spoke out about its participation in the upcoming World Cup.
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A first message attributed to the new Iranian Supreme Leader has been released. Investigators probe for the motive in the Michigan Synagogue attack. Students stop a gunman who opened fire at Old Dominion University. NASA sets April 1 as the launch date for the historic Artemis mission.  Plus, an AI tool is being developed to help people talk with their plants.
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