CNN 5 Things

One Thing: After DOGE Cuts, The Government Is Hiring Again. Will Anyone Bite?

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 [https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/10/politics/doge-government-spending-cuts-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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

5 Good Things: Following the Tracks of a Tiger Comeback

A legendary US Paralympian adds to her medal collection. CNN trekked deep into Thailand’s jungles [https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/06/world/video/thailand-tigers-wildlife-conservation-missiontiger-hnk-spc] 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 [https://www.guidedog.org/].   Sign up for the CNN 5 Good Things newsletter here. [https://www.cnn.com/newsletters]  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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Iran War Death Toll Climbs, Judge Blocks Powell Subpoenas, New Medical Guidance and more

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

US Service Members Killed, Whitmer on Synagogue Attack, Iran’s World Cup Uncertainty and more

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

First Purported Message From New Supreme Leader, Suspect Dead After Ramming Into Synagogue, AI Tool to Get Plants to Grow and more

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]