CNN This Morning

As today's show begins, results are still coming in from yesterday's elections. All eyes remain on California as the governor's race is still too close to call. We are also still watching the LA mayor's race.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a rare retreat, President Trump backs away from his anti-weaponization fund ... Trump reportedly curses out Benjamin Netanyahu, helping force Israel to pull back in Lebanon ... Amid continued protests over what some call cruel conditions at a New Jersey ICE detention center, we discuss what's going on inside where the cameras can't see ... Primary voters will weigh in today on one of the biggest jobs in American politics.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A sexting scandal could threaten Democrats' chances of winning back the Senate ... President Trump demands more from the peace deal his own negotiators reached ... New hope for two people still missing in a flooded cave ... New Jersey's governor imposes a curfew after clashes continue outside an ice detention facility ... Two YouTubers have a big weekend at the box office as Hollywood losing its grip on the industry.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just hours from now, Pam Bondi faces questions about the Epstein files. What could she reveal? ... Blue Origin's hot fire test turned into a hot mess. Details on a new rocket explosion on the launch pad ... Three candidates are locked in a tight L.A. mayor's race just days before the primary. Could Spencer Pratt actually win?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just days after it looked like there was actual progress on ending the war, the US struck Iran yet again overnight. Are the GOP's Iran hawks getting into the president's head? ... The Justice Department goes after a woman who accused Donald Trump of rape. Isn't this the kind of "weaponization" the president rails against? ... "Oh my God, he's having a stroke!" That's what Jill Biden says she was thinking as she watched her husband debate Donald Trump.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump-backed Ken Paxton beat incumbent Senator John Cornyn in yesterday's Texas primary. But can he lasso enough support to keep that seat from turning blue? ... Protests and a hunger strike at an ICE detention facility after they found live worms in their food. Audie talks to a congressman who's been inside about what he saw ... President Trump will convene his Cabinet later this morning. Will we get substance or performance?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another test of the president influence on local elections is happening today in Texas, where Trump-backed candidate Ken Paxton takes on incumbent Senator John Cornyn ... The US conducts "self-defense" strikes on Iran, which Tehran says is a ceasefire violation ... Chaos reigns outside an immigration facility in New Jersey, where a senator is tear-gassed ... It's a race against time in Laos as divers search for seven people still trapped underground in a flooded cavern.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the US and Iran really on the brink of ending the war? If so, why are the two countries describing the terms of the alleged agreement so differently? ... The Secret Service kills a gunman near the White House. This is the third time this month that shots were fired near the president ... A toxic tank in California could spill or explode. Could the discovery of a crack on the surface actually be good news?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Stupid on stilts." That's what Republican Senator Thom Tillis called President Trump's nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. The backlash against it caused the GOP torpedo a deal to fund ICE. Could the president be forced to back down?  Also on today's show: NASCAR legend Kyle Busch's shocking death ... Ebola threat ... Kamala Harris autopsy.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More GOP lawmakers are raising questions about President Trump's anti-weaponization fund. Some are ready to kill it, but do they have the votes? ... Dangerous flooding strands drivers stranded during rush hour traffic, and more rough weather could come today ... The DOJ indicts former Cuban leader Raul Castro. Could he ever set foot in a US courtroom?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Trump critic goes down in flames as Congressman Tom Massie is defeated by Kentucky's GOP primary ... Cuba's Raul Castro could be indicted in the coming hours ... Dangerous winds fuel flames in Southern California ... The DOJ cuts a deal barring the IRS from auditing the president and his family.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is defending the $1.7-billion, taxpayer-funded reparations fund the DOJ awarded him for settling his lawsuits against the government he runs ... As fast-moving flames engulf parts of California's Simi Valley, the race is on to get people out of harm's way ... Elon Musk says the fight isn't over yet after losing his OpenAI lawsuit against Sam Altman.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Louisiana GOP Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict President Trump for impeachment, loses his primary to his Trump-backed rival ... Two fighter jets collide at an air show. How did four navy pilots managed to eject and parachute to safety? ... Cuba fears a US invasion and reportedly stockpiles drones. What kind of fight could the island put up? ... One lawmaker wants college athletes at southern schools to take a stand for voting rights by transferring out. Is that a fair thing to ask of them?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is returning from his whirlwind trip to China. What was he able to accomplish and what deals were left on the table? ... What was the CIA director doing in Havana? ... A judge deals Dems another redistricting setback ... Taco turmoil in Texas, where a senate candidate's order spices up an already contentious race.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump is en route to China to chat with Xi Jinping. Can the US president find his way out of the Iran war without the help of his Beijing counterpart? ... Kash Patel flips the script on a senator, then agrees to take an alcohol test. Did he do enough to save his job? ... NYC Mayor Mamdani has a balanced budget. Is it too good to be true? ... CNN speaks exclusively with the American doctor who tested positive for hantavirus.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RFK Jr. says we have hantavirus under control. But could all of the cuts at key health agencies leave Americans vulnerable? ... President Trump leaves for China today. Could his meeting with Xi Jinping set off a crisis with Taiwan? ... The Supreme Court lets the Alabama GOP erase Black house districts just days before a primary. Could too many redistricting moves backfire on Republicans?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans on that cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak are now back in the US. They will soon head to a quarantine center in Nebraska. So how do we know if they're carrying the virus? ... Pete Hegseth is going after Mark Kelly again, suggesting the senator revealed too much from a classified briefing ... The president says Iran's response to the latest US proposal is unacceptable. So does this mean more talking in the days ahead or more war?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plenty of people are freaked out about the rare viral outbreak wreaking havoc on that cruise ship. So is this just a bad case of deja vu for most of us?... A rescue operation underway after a volcano explodes. A dozen hikers are stranded on a mountain ... More missile fire between the US And Iran. President Trump is calling the latest exchange a love tap.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marco Rubio has a face-to-face with Pope Leo. Is it really a routine visit or a papal peace-keeping mission? ... What will Iran say about the latest peace offer from the White House? ... A tornado wipes out a community in Mississippi ... Mayor Mamdani touches a nerve with some of NYC's elite.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Late last night, President Trump said that he's pausing the operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz as his administration works towards a deal with Iran ... Three people were just evacuated from that cruise ship where a deadly virus is spreading. So what does that mean for the passengers still stuck on board? ... Are new comments from Pope Leo about nuclear weapon another message for President Trump? There's a new proposal for the White House ballroom that wasn't supposed to cost taxpayers a dime. Lawmakers now want $1 billion to make it secure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The  Middle East ceasefire is on fragile ground as both sides trade shots. Could President Trump make good on new threats to, "Blow Iranian forces off the face of the earth?"   Gas prices climb, restaurant sales suffer, and an airline goes under. The White House says help is on the way, but will it be too little too late?  Hundreds of passengers are trapped on a cruise ship with a deadly outbreak on board.   An explosion occurred at the world's fireworks capital, rescue crews are still searching for survivors.  Plus,  Amazon workers call out their boss as his wife strutted her way to the top of the steps of the Met, Dolly Parton to step back from her Las Vegas residency and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A truck was hit by a jumbo jet that was coming in for a landing. A risky new mission for US troops today, guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz.  Gas prices hit a new war-era high, along with the president's disapproval rating. A spokesperson says Rudy Giulani is in critical condition at a Florida hospital this morning.  Plus, a dangerous outbreak at sea kills three cruise ship passengers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today is day 60 in the war with Iran.  That means Congress is supposed to sign off on military action, unless there is some kind of loophole.  Thousands have already cast ballots, but Louisiana is now delaying its primary to redraw voting maps. Is that legal?  President Trump pulls nutrition influencer Casey Means' surgeon general nomination. Is the MAHA movement on life support? Plus, Taylor Swift trademarks herself to fight deepfakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Voting Rights Act weakened by the Supreme Court just months before the midterm. So did Justices just help Republicans hold onto the House?   We're gonna be asking how this ruling could reshape political power in the US.  In fighting, has the Republican Congress struggling to do the basics. Can the GOP get out of its own way on Capitol Hill? President Trump believes Iran will, in his words, “cry uncle,” will his strategy win the war. Plus, big money bets on the war, now raising red flags. Are people with powerful information gambling with America's national security secrets? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another indictment of James Comey. Is this the time where see a solid case or a rush to appease the president?  The FCC has ordered a review of ABC's broadcast licenses after Jimmy Kimmel's widow joke. Will Disney's new boss, blink?  King Charles brings the jokes and some thinly veiled jabs. Did this charm offensive work?   Plus. the standoff over money for DHS continues.  Audie speaks with one of the Democrats leading the fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If words inspire political violence, don't both sides have a problem to address? We begin this morning's show by asking that question in the wake of Saturday's shooting at the Correspondent's Dinner ... Jimmy Kimmel claps back after the First Lady calls for him to be fired ... Mother Nature takes wreaks more havoc in the Midwest.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The suspect in Saturday night's White House Correspondents' Association Dinner shooting has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and tutor from Torrance, California. Allen, who was arrested at the scene after shooting a Secret Service agent (who survived due to a vest), reportedly targeted the event with a "manifesto" expressing intent to attack the Trump administration. The BIG question right now: How did he get so close to all these high-ranking government officials?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump refuses to give a timeline for his "4-6 week" war. At the same time, he says the "clock is ticking" on Iran. Are they the ones under pressure? And could we be headed for a much longer conflict than we were told?     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan is ousted, the latest military shakeup in the middle of a war. Why? ... The Pentagon is telling lawmakers it could take six months to clear the Strait of Hormuz. Can the global economy afford to wait that long? ... Could Florida be the next state to try to redraw the voting map? Some republicans already regret the strategy.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump extends the ceasefire but won't lift the blockade. Is this why Iran won't commit to talks? And why, after saying "I expect to be bombing," did he extend the ceasefire in the first place?  Also on today's show:  Virginia voters approve Democrat-led redistricting ... Another member of Congress resigns after accusations of ethics violations.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump insists Iran is going to negotiate, but can he get Tehran back to the table before the ceasefire expires tomorrow? ... The boss at a big tech company with ties to the defense department is saying America should bring back the military draft ... Trump's labor secretary is the latest Cabinet official to be shown the door. Is there a different standard for women in the White House?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran vows retaliation after US Marines board and seize an Iran-flagged cargo ship. Does this put a second round of peace talks in jeopardy? ...  Eight children are killed in the worst mass shooting in the US in two years. What were the warning signs that were missed? ... A huge earthquake off the coast of Japan prompts a tsunami warning in that country. People there have been told to head for higher ground.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A fragile, 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon remains in place, and signs point to more US-Iran talks this weekend, spurring optimism the war's end may be near. However, Lebanon's army is already accusing Israel of violating it.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House is optimistic about a deal with Iran. So why are thousands of troops then being sent to the Middle East? And if the diplomacy doesn't work this time, what is the exit strategy? ... President Trump can't seem to quit his Jesus memes. Should he be asking for forgiveness instead? ... A jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster guilty of being an illegal monopoly. But will that decision have any impact on the ticket prices?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More disturbing allegations against now-former Congressman Eric Swalwell ... More talks with Iran on the horizon? ... Storms submerge homes and rip apart buildings, and the threat isn't over yet ... President Trump calls out the pope yet again.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two congressmen quit as sex scandals shake Capitol Hill. Is this what accountability looks like in the Trump era? And why is this one of the few things that can bring both sides together?  Also: Will Trump's blockade actually hurt Americans? ... Trump still catching hell over his "blasphemous" pope post.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump wants the Strait of Hormuz open. So why is he sending in the US military to block it? ... Celebrations break out in Hungary, where the far right Trump-backed candidate was defeated. What does this mean for right wing movements around the world? ... Democrat Eric Swalwell ends his bid for California governor over sexual assault allegations. Will he be forced out of Congress next?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The First Lady calls out the "lies" linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. Does her statement undercut what her husband has said? ... The US-Iran ceasefire appears to be holding. With direct negotiations approaching, does the Trump Administration have leverage over Iran? ... The Artemis crew returns to earth today, but not before they negotiate the riskiest part of their historic journey.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran and the US have different opinions about what's actually included in the truce they agreed upon earlier this week. Is it because nothing has been written down? Today, delegations are slated to head to Pakistan to start talking. But President Trump says the US military is on standby, ready to start shooting.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pakistan spearheads a last-minute ceasefire between the US and Iran, and both combatants are claiming victory. But did anyone really win? How long can the ceasefire last? And where does the US go from here?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran has until 8pm tonight (ET) to open the Strait of Hormuz or get blown to smithereens. That's the ultimatum President Trump set. But will he follow through on his threat? What we know for sure is that both Iran and the US have rejected a temporary ceasefire.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump demands the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz be lifted. Iran is not backing down. Can diplomatic talks prevail or will the president make good on his latest threat?  Plus: We are learning new details this morning about the daring, successful feat to get a missing US airman back to safety after his plane was shot down in Iran.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin with a CNN exclusive: US intelligence believes Iran still has plenty of missile launchers in its arsenal, enough to wreak havoc across the war zone. We explore these new questions about Iran's firepower and what President Trump's next 2-3 weeks could really look like.  Also: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ousts the Army's Chief of Staff and two other top generals. Just how unusual is that in the middle of a war?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new CNN poll shows deep skepticism among Americans about the Iran war. Did President Trump's nationwide address last night change their minds? ... Britain's prime minister is gathering allies today to talk about the strait of Hormuz. Has Trump successfully shamed Keir Starmer into action? ... Is Pam Bondi's job on the line? We bring you new reporting this morning that the president may be ready for a change at the Department of Justice.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's approval rating on the economy hits a new low as gas prices rise to their highest levels in four years. Experts say it could be years before gas prices go down. Meanwhile, the president is set to deliver a primetime address tonight on the war with Iran. In advance of his speech he predicted the war could be over "within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer."    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The price of gas hits a Trump-era high, as the national average is now $4 a gallon. And there is little evidence this pain will ease soon ... Iran bombs another oil tanker as President Trump renews his threat to blow up Iran's oil facilities ... Sources tell CNN Pete Hegseth downplayed the risks of a spiraling war to Trump. Could that prove costly?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thousands of US Marines and sailors arrive in the Middle East. Are all the pieces now in place for a possible invasion of Iran? Iran thinks so, accusing the US of plotting that ground invasion while publicly seeking talks.  Also: TSA agents could finally get paid. Will that help at all with wait times at the airports? ... Millions show up for No Kings rallies across the country. Is anyone in power actually listening?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin this morning with two potential breakthroughs in the ongoing DHS funding saga. First, President Trump said he will sign an emergency order to immediately pay TSA agents. Then the Senate voted to fund DHS except for ICE and border patrol. Does this mean those long security lines at airports will finally ease?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt points to President Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran as the most significant evidence yet that he “does not bluff," adding, "he is prepared to unleash hell." So, is all the talk about negotiations just a distraction from a coming invasion?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is President Trump ready to escalate the war with Iran or end it all with peace talks? It's a good question after news the US is sending 1,500 paratroopers to the Middle East. More questions: Why is Tehran reportedly asking for JD Vance at the table? What is the "very big present" Trump says Iran gave the US? Meanwhile, as the partial government shutdown continues, lawmakers face a tight deadline before they end up at the airport trying to get home for a two-week Easter break. How can both sides cut a deal and save face?    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices