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Early Start with Rahel Solomon
Illinois Mandates Mental Health Screenings for Students; White House Orders Review Of Smithsonian Museums And Exhibits; Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Overnight. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired August 13, 2025 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[05:30:00]
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RYAN YOUNG, CNN SENIOR U.S. NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: So there's still a lot of questions as this community thinks about what could have happened with 500 rounds being fired near the entrance of the CDC.
Ryan Young, CNN, Toccoa, Georgia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MJ LEE, CNN ANCHOR: And days after the gunman opened fire on the CDC, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the agency headquarters in Atlanta.
Investigators say the suspect may have targeted the CDC over health concerns that he blamed on the COVID-19 vaccine.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BECKY MORTIZ STAHL, EMPLOYEE, CDC: This is an attack on the work that we do and the things that we work very tirelessly for, and I would like that to be known.
LAURA FEHRS, RETIRED FROM CDC: I'm worried because good people who work for places like CDC are not either going to be able to or they're going to get discouraged and people won't continue to do it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEE: Secretary Kennedy, a longtime critic of COVID vaccinations, recently slashed $500 million from vaccine research funding.
The Trump administration is taking aim at an iconic American institution. We'll look at what changes could be coming to the Smithsonian.
Plus, Illinois is moving forward with mandatory mental health screenings for schoolchildren. We'll speak live with a top adviser to the state's governor.
(COMMERCIAL) [05:35:55]
LEE: A new law in the state of Illinois is mandating mental health screenings for students in grade 3-12. They are set to begin in the 2027 school year.
Advocates of the law say that since the COVID pandemic more children are showing signs of isolation and that they need more support. But critics say they worry that the program could be costly for taxpayers and that there's no real guidance on what to do if students don't pass the screenings. Parents will be allowed to opt their children out of the program.
And Dr. Dana Weiner is a Chapin Hall senior policy fellow at the University of Chicago. She's also Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's chief officer for children's behavioral health transformation.
Dr. Weiner, you were instrumental in designing this law so we're glad to have this chance to speak with you. The governor says this would make Illinois the first state to mandate mental health assessments for public school students.
Let's start with the why. Why do you all believe that these kinds of screenings are necessary?
DR. DANA WEINER, SENIOR POLICY FELLOW, CHAPIN HALL, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, ADVISER TO OFFICE OF ILLINOIS GOV. J.B. PRITZKER: Good morning, and nice to be with you.
So universal screening for mental health among schoolchildren frames children's mental health as a public health issue. And just as for decades we've screened for vision and hearing problems because those problems interfere with students' ability to learn, screening for mental health problems also gives us that ability to promote children's well-being and to maximize their opportunity for a successful education.
LEE: So I'd like to better understand the mechanics of how exactly this would be implemented.
For starters, you say it's mandatory, but I am right that parents can still opt their children out of the screenings if they wanted to?
WIENER: Absolutely. And just to clarify, it's mandatory that the districts offer the screening to every student. It's not mandatory that students receive the screening. So just as parents can opt out of those other types of screenings they can opt out of this, and they'll be given clear instructions for how to do that from the -- from the school district.
LEE: Got it. So if a parent decides to opt their child out of the screening is there any mechanism in the law that would allow, say, a teacher or a specific school to still force a child to get the screening?
WEINER: No -- absolutely not. And these screenings are designed to be self-administered so they are -- they -- we will be selecting a tool that can be developmentally appropriate for kids as young as third grade to read the questions about things like sadness and worry and fear and answer those questions themselves probably using a tablet or some other technological tool.
LEE: OK. My next question for you was actually who would be administering the screenings, and you're saying that the child would do it using a list of questions. So it's not like there's somebody else involved in the screening?
WEINER: Yes, in most cases, unless, of course, kids have limitations that would require help in reading or understanding questions. So the screenings are designed to be self-administered.
And there are lots of other activities that are underway in order to support the school districts in implementing those. Things like the technology that they'll need. The tools that they'll need. And also education for all of the school personnel and training to impact the culture of the school so that it's more conducive to successfully implementing these screenings.
LEE: And once a child in Illinois has taken this screening would there be somebody who would go on to make a medical recommendation, including maybe suggesting that a child go on specific medication?
WEINER: No. So unlike assessments that are designed to provide a conclusion diagnosis and recommend treatment, screenings are really designed as a public health tool to identify kids where there might be concerns that require additional follow-up.
[05:40:07]
So screenings are designed to be brief -- maybe just take under 10 minutes and only have a short series of questions. And really, just flag kids who might need additional attention, whether that be a conversation with a counselor or whether the family needs a referral for a community-based service, or whether the child is just flagged for maybe needing a more detailed assessment.
I think this is really meant to help us identify the kids who struggle with problems that are less visible in the classroom. Teachers often know which kids have disruptive behavior disorders, but when kids are struggling with depression or anxiety or trauma it's much harder to detect those problems until they reach the level of a crisis, which can be very disruptive both to the child's education and to their well-being.
LEE: So this law doesn't go into effect until the 2027 school year, but it's already gotten some mixed reactions. If the proponents say, as you are, this might be a good way to prevent mental health crises in our children, some of the opponents are raising concerns like this could allow insurance companies to deny coverage. Put unwelcome labels on kids. There are also a lot of concerns being raised about parental rights.
What do you have to say to those parents that are concerned? WEINER: Yes. So with any screening program we have to weigh the risks of false positives or detecting many cases with the risk of not detecting these cases. And suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 19, and in some other studies also in ages 12-17. Given the risk of leaving problems undetected it seems that it's prudent for us to at least provide a way for us to have visibility into kids who need additional assistance.
LEE: Dr. Dana Weiner in Chicago. Thank you for that helpful conversation.
WEINER: Thank you.
LEE: And still to come, torrential rain is causing flash flooding in Tennessee. We'll have the latest on the severe weather.
(COMMERCIAL)
[05:46:50]
LEE: Welcome back. I'm MJ Lee. Here are some of the stories we're watching today.
Members of the National Guard are joining police and federal agents as the Trump administration cracks down on crime in the nation's capital. The White House says more than 20 people were arrested on Monday, the first day of the law enforcement surge.
Ukraine's president is set to arrive in Berlin for virtual talks with European leaders and the U.S. in the coming hours about pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns "Pressure must be exerted on Russia for the sake of a fair peace." The conference comes two days before U.S. President Donald Trump hosts Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The first hurricane of the Atlantic season may soon be upon us. Tropical Storm Erin is tracking west from Africa's Cabo Verde islands and could become a hurricane as soon as tonight. The National Hurricane Center warns Erin could explode in strength once it reaches very warm weather and could become a major hurricane category three or higher by Sunday.
The Trump administration has ordered a review into one of the country's most renowned cultural centers. It's putting the Smithsonian museums and exhibitions under the microscope to decide what should and should not be displayed. The Smithsonian Institution runs the nation's major public museums.
White House aides wrote a letter to the Smithsonian's secretary that reads: "This initiative aim to ensure alignment with the president's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions."
A final report is expected early next year. The Smithsonian tells CNN it is reviewing the letter and plans to work constructively with the White House.
Meanwhile, President Trump says a major Kennedy Center announcement is happening later today. On Tuesday he posted "Great nominees for the Trump-Kennedy Center. Whoops -- I mean, Kennedy Center awards."
President Trump appointed himself chair of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts shortly after taking office. House Republicans have pushed the idea of renaming its opera house after first lady Melania Trump.
Chattanooga, Tennessee has logged one of its wettest days on record. Hamilton County has declared a local state of emergency after the area received more than six inches in a single day. That's nearly twice the city's typical rainfall for August.
Floodwaters gathered on highways forcing some drivers to abandon their vehicles. Police are warning that some roads remain impassable.
Another round of widespread storms is expected today.
And a dramatic water rescue was captured in El Paso, Texas. Firefighters saved passengers trapped in a car after relentless rounds of rain triggered flash flooding and drenched the area with nearly two inches of rain in just one hour. There were multiple reports of stalled vehicles and waterlogged cars on roads but no injuries. Additionally, showers are expected into the early hours on Wednesday.
[05:50:08]
And if you are on the West Coast and awake there is still time to catch an awe-inspiring view. The Perseid, one of the best meteor showers of the year, is wrapping up its brilliant celestial display for the night.
Our Derek Van Dam has all the dazzling details.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: There is a beautiful spectacle in the Earth's sky. Lots of nostalgia for this weatherman too because I have fond childhood memories setting up the Adirondack chairs in our backyard and looking for the peak of the Perseid's meteor shower, which occurs tonight and tomorrow night.
Look to the north sky. Look for that radiant. That's the center of the horizon that has the meteors kind of radiating out in all directions. A lot of things working for us and against us tonight but if you get that optimal viewing conditions it'll look a lot like this -- up to 100 falling stars from the sky -- and it will be quite the spectacle if you get the perfect conditions. Of course, being away from lights from the city. Also having optimal cloud cover or the lack thereof overhead. And, of course, we've had the full moon a few nights ago so that might hinder the viewing this time of the year.
But look, the cloud cover is more important here. It's more crucial in this forecast. So the East Coast not so great, unfortunately. But if you're located throughout the Plains, the Pacific Northwest, or in the interior Mountain West, things are looking good.
So what's the difference between a meteoroid, a meteor, and a meteorite? Well, tonight you're going to see meteors. Remember, that is those extraterrestrial rocks that burn up in the Earth's atmosphere before reaching the ground. But a meteorite actually survives the atmosphere and hits the ground.
Why do I bring this up? Do you remember what happened back in June of this past summer when the daytime skies were lit up by this fireball? That is a meteorite in north Georgia that did not burn up across -- upon entry. It actually punctured a hole in somebody's home in north Georgia.
And that moon rock -- well, I should say extraterrestrial rock, was sent to a laboratory to get studied and they just found out that it is older than the planet itself -- over 4 1/2 billion years old, according to scientists who studied this.
Quite a spectacle. Go look for the meteors falling from the sky tonight.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEE: And the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for those in the path of potential flooding from a glacial outburst in Juneau, Alaska. The wave of water gushing out of the glacier is now threatening significant and potentially record-breaking flooding. And those in high-risk areas are being urged to evacuate.
Officials explained that glacial outbursts occur when a lake of melting snow, ice, and rain drain rapidly -- describing it as "pulling out the plug in a full bathtub."
And just ahead, Taylor Swift's orange outfits now make more sense. See who else is embracing the orange sparkles as the pop superstar prepares to release her new album.
(COMMERCIAL)
[05:57:25]
LEE: The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has quickly become a smash hit with several streaming records on Netflix and even a number one album on the Billboard charts.
Lynda Kinkade has more on all the hype.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
Clip from Sony Pictures Animation/Netflix "KPop Demon Hunters."
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN ANCHOR: From your T.V. screen to the top of the music charts, the film "KPop Demon Hunters" isn't just breaking viewership records, it's redefining what an animated film can do.
Clip from Sony Pictures Animation/Netflix "KPop Demon Hunters." KINKADE: It's got KPop, it's got demons, and it's got 158 million views and counting. That makes it the most watched animated original film in Netflix history.
JASON LIPSHUTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, BILLBOARD: It's been a streaming phenomenon where people are watching the movie. They are spreading it through word of mouth, so people have really united around this movie and its music.
KINKADE: The film follows the Huntr/x -- a girl group by day, demon hunters by night -- as they battle supernatural threats while topping the KPop charts.
Clip from Sony Pictures Animation/Netflix "KPop Demon Hunters."
KINKADE: "Golden" is more than catchy; it's history making. The fictional girl group from the film is now going up on the real world charts, including the Billboard Hot 100. And the last time a girl group topped the charts was 24 years ago with Destiny's Child.
DESTINY'S CHILD, GIRL GROUP: Singing "Bootylicious."
LIPSHUTZ: It's pretty wild to think that there has never been a KPop girl group that has reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 before the fictional group of Huntr/x from "KPop Demon Hunters" does it this week with their smash single "Golden." "Golden" is number one on the Hot 100 but there are multiple songs in the top 10, in the top 20 of the Hot 100.
Clip from Sony Pictures Animation/Netflix "KPop Demon Hunters."
KINKADE: It's not just the heroes getting the love. The film's villainous boy band, the Saja Boys, is charting too.
The KPop multiverse is also fueling global TikTok challenges, livestreams, and merchandise sales proving that even animated idols can dominate the real world.
Lynda Kinkade, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEE: Taylor Swift's new album reveal created the perfect opportunity for a viral moment and all sorts of brands are hopping on board.
United Airlines posted this picture of one of their planes against the orange sparkles -- a nod to her announcement. FedEx jumped on the orange sparkles bandwagon as well. Olive Garden transformed one of their famous breadsticks into its own version of a showgirl. Even the University of Texas Longhorns jumped on the trend.
[06:00:10]
And while there were no sparkles, "SESAME STREET's" Elmo showed that he, too, is anxiously awaiting Swift's 12th album. And that does it for us. Thank you so much for joining us here on
EARLY START. I'm MJ Lee in Washington. "CNN THIS MORNING" starts right now.
