Thousands of central North Carolina residents spent much of last week in the dark following an attack on two electric substations. It follows years of warnings from the federal government that the power grid was an attractive target for extremists. We examine how this attack upended daily life and look at what can be done to protect the grid going forward.

Guest: Whitney Wild, CNN Law Enforcement Correspondent

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China has signaled it may adjust some aspects of its strict zero-Covid policy following a massive show of defiance in cities across the country, with some openly calling for the removal of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. We examine the financial and psychological ramifications of the restrictions and look at whether the protests could force more change.

Guest: Selina Wang, CNN International Correspondent

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Over the past few years, once-sleepy local school board meetings have become passionate and occasionally rowdy venues for debate over issues like the pandemic, race, gender and more. We’ve also seen school board elections become more partisan than ever. We hear from two parents about why they decided to run for office and what changes they hope to make while in power. 

Listen to “The Assignment” here. 

Guest: Audie Cornish, CNN Anchor & Correspondent

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Former President Donald Trump has officially kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign amid multiple investigations into him, his business, and his allies. We examine if Trump’s grip on the party has weakened in recent years following his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and look at who may challenge him in the Republican primary. 

Guest: Kaitlan Collins, “CNN This Morning” Anchor & Chief Correspondent 

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While votes are still being counted in key states, it’s clear Democrats had a better midterm performance than most were expecting. We examine the biggest surprises and key takeaways for both parties.

Guest: John King, CNN Anchor & Chief National Correspondent

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As voters go to the polls this week, there are several states with key Senate races that could decide the balance of power in Washington. We go on a tour of these battleground states to unpack the key issues, hear how voters are feeling, and look at why election deniers continue to pose an active threat to democracy. 

Guests: 

Jessica Dean, CNN Congressional Correspondent 

Eva McKend, CNN National Politics Reporter 

Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Business & Politics Correspondent 

Omar Jimenez, CNN Correspondent 

Kyung Lah, CNN Senior National Correspondent

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After months of back and forth, billionaire Elon Musk has finally closed on his $44 billion to buy Twitter. We examine how we got here, what changes are in store for the social network, and why the deal could have implications far beyond Silicon Valley. 

Guest: Clare Duffy, CNN Business writer

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Thousands have taken to the streets in Iran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died after being detained by the country’s morality police. Hundreds have reportedly been killed by authorities during the unrest. We explore whether the uprising will bring about lasting change and hear from a young Iranian-Kurdish activist who fled her hometown to take up arms over the border in Iraq.

Guest: Nima Elbagir, CNN Chief International Investigative Correspondent

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A new survey from CNN in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that nine out of 10 adults believe that there’s a mental health crisis in the US today. We explore what’s driving that sentiment, the possible solutions, and why an influential task force has recommended screening children 8 and older for anxiety. 

This episode contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

Guest: Dr. Tara Narula, CNN Medical Correspondent

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Over the past few weeks, Ukrainian forces have made major gains in the south and east of the country, taking back territory Russia claims it is annexing. It comes as President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization order has been met with protests back home. We examine what Putin’s next move might be and hear from Ukrainian residents emerging from life under Russian occupation. 

Recorded on October 4, 2022

Guest: Nick Paton Walsh, CNN International Security Editor

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