Supervising producer for @CNN. Seeking awesome stories, big and small.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jacque Smith
Let’s Lose The Term ‘Vertical Video’
Editor’s note: Small, Adaptive Steps is a four-part column debuting today by digital media strategist Jacque Smith that empowers newsroom leaders to combine the power of factual, ethical journalism with today’s engaging storytelling formats. Each installment will provide concrete ways newsrooms can make the news more accessible to their audiences without a dramatic overhaul of workflows or personnel.
When Underground Infrastructure Fails
Public works crews on the scene during watermain break in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Early one morning in May 2022, public works crews in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, responded to what initially appeared to be a routine watermain break. Within hours, it became clear the situation was anything but routine. Residents discovered contaminated water emerging through basement floor drains. Some found several feet of water in their homes.
From Denver to Mecca: A CNN producer’s personal pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site | CNN
Ad Feedback Video Ad Feedback From Denver to Mecca: A CNN producer’s personal pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site Millions of Muslims around the world celebrate Eid as the annual pilgrimage of Hajj reaches its end. Among the 2 million worshippers is one of CNN's producers, Kareem El Damanhoury, who shares his journey with you.
Trump voter may lose his job because of Trump policies Original
Trump voter may lose his job because of Trump policies CNN’s John King visits one of the country’s top targets of the 2026 midterms — Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District — and speaks to a Trump voter who is in danger of being laid off due to the President’s tariffs.
Mistaken arrest leads to teen’s ICE detention Original
Mistaken arrest leads to teen's ICE detention A northwest Georgia community voted overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump. Now it’s desperately trying to save its residents from being deported. CNN's Dianne Gallagher reports. See the full story on CNN. 01:28 - Source: CNN Vertical Politics of the Day 12 videos Mistaken arrest leads to teen's ICE detention A northwest Georgia community voted overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump.
Hear Putin declare brief Easter ceasefire in war with Ukraine Original
Hear Putin declare brief Easter ceasefire in war with Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a brief truce in his country's war with Ukraine for the Easter holiday.
A Charred Body, and A Convicted Man’s Assertion of Innocence
*(CNN) — Crooked cops. Drug dealers. Secret agendas. The rumor mill churned after the body of 18-year-old Jessica Currin was found burned and decomposing behind Mayfield Middle School in 2000. People in the small Kentucky town still talk about the case – or don’t want to talk at all, if an outsider is asking the questions.
A charred body, shifting stories and a convicted man's assertion of innocence | CNN Original
Editor’s Note: This story contains language that some readers may find offensive. CNN — Crooked cops. Drug dealers. Secret agendas. The rumor mill churned after the body of 18-year-old Jessica Currin was found burned and decomposing behind Mayfield Middle School in 2000. People in the small Kentucky town still talk about the case – or don’t want to talk at all, if an outsider is asking the questions.
A charred body, shifting stories and a convicted man’s assertion of innocence
(CNN) — Crooked cops. Drug dealers. Secret agendas. The rumor mill churned after the body of 18-year-old Jessica Currin was found burned and decomposing behind Mayfield Middle School in 2000. People in the small Kentucky town still talk about the case – or don’t want to talk at all, if an outsider is asking the questions. kAmp ;FCJ 56=:36C2E65 7@C b 9@FCD 2?5 cd >:?FE6D 367@C6 4@?G:4E:?8 "F:?4J ~>2C rC@DD @7 >FC56C[ C2A6[ D@5@>J[ <:5?2AA:?8[ 6G:56?46 E2>A6C:?8 2?5 23FD6 @7 2 4@CAD6 :?
Black or ‘Other’? Doctors may be relying on race to make decisions about your health
Editor’s Note: CNN’s “History Refocused” series features surprising and personal stories from America’s past to bring depth to conflicts still raging today. When she first learned about race correction, Naomi Nkinsi was one of five Black medical students in her class at the University of Washington. Nkinsi remembers the professor talking about an equation doctors use to measure kidney function.
los aprendizajes de un mes sin redes sociales Original
La adicción al celular podría causar problemas de sueño 0:49 Nota del editor: Jacque Smith es productora ejecutiva de CNN Digital Video. (CNN) -- Eliminé Instagram y TikTok. Cerré mi sesión de Facebook y Twitter. Recordé vagamente que todavía tenía una cuenta de Snapchat y la eliminé de mi biblioteca de aplicaciones antes de dejar el teléfono. Luego respiré profundamente. Era el 1 de enero de 2022 y mi "micro propósito" de Año Nuevo era dejar las redes sociales durante un mes.
My 'dry' January: What I learned from a month without social media Original
Jacque Smith is an executive producer for CNN Digital Video. (CNN)I deleted Instagram and TikTok. I logged out of Facebook and Twitter. I vaguely remembered I still had a Snapchat account and removed it from my app library before I put my phone down. Then I took a deep breath. It was January 1, 2022, and my New Year's "micro-resolution" was to give up social media for a month. I called it my "dry" January.
My 'dry' January: What I learned from a month without social media
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
My 'dry' January: What I learned from a month without social media
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
My 'dry' January: What I learned from a month without social media
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
My 'dry' January: What I learned from a month without social media
Originally Published: 16 FEB 22 04:35 ET By Jacque Smith, CNN Editor's note: Jacque Smith is an executive producer for CNN Digital Video. (CNN) -- I deleted Instagram and TikTok. I logged out of Facebook and Twitter. I vaguely remembered I still had a Snapchat account and removed it from my app library before I put my phone down. Then I took a deep breath. It was January 1, 2022, and my New Year's "micro-resolution" was to give up social media for a month. I called it my "dry" January.
Race correction in medicine: A fight brewing in America's hospitals
When she first learned about race correction, Naomi Nkinsi was one of five Black medical students in her class at the University of Washington. © CNN Nkinsi remembers the professor talking about an equation doctors use to measure kidney function. The professor said eGFR equations adjust for several variables, including the patient's age, sex and race. When it comes to race, doctors have only two options: Black or "Other." © Jeff Roberson/Associated Press Nkinsi was dumbfounded.
Mall walkers lose weight, get healthy
September 14th, 2011 06:38 AM ET Editor's note: September 19 begins "Every Body Walk Week," when the medical community is teaming up with local organizations to encourage people to simply walk more. Walking just 15 minutes a day can increase your life expectancy by 3 years. I’m passionate about walking. I know that may sound odd to some but I’ve never really enjoyed running long distances or the crazy dance routines they make you do at health clubs.
Celebrities can be bad for your health
Dr. Anthony Youn is a plastic surgeon in metro Detroit. He is the author of “In Stitches,” a humorous memoir about growing up Asian-American and becoming a doctor. Two days ago, I saw a commercial for Jenny McCarthy’s show, “Love in the Wild.” I suspect that I’m not the only physician who’s happy to see her host this dating program. It’s a better alternative than the role she’s held for the past several years: health care adviser. For years, celebrities have acted as health advocates in the media.
Clinton's future 'as good as her past,' docs say
Story highlights Hillary Clinton's blood clot is called a cerebral vein thrombosis and is relatively rare Anyone who has had a blood clot in the past is at a higher risk of getting one again It's unknown if Clinton has a genetic condition that may increase her risk Doctors say Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is on her way to a full recovery after a blood clot was found in her head on Sunday night.
Say what? 'Flesh-eating bacteria' explained
The microscopic Aeromonas hydrophila is found in freshwater or brackish water environments, according to the FDA. May 14th, 2012 10:06 AM ET It sounds like something out of a horror film - a micro-organism that enters through an open wound and begins to consume your body from the inside out. Unfortunately flesh-eating bacteria, or necrotizing fasciitis, isn't fiction.
Do you have to be a celeb to tweet for airline help?
(CNN) -- When film director Kevin Smith tweeted about getting kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight on Saturday, the airline responded in less than 20 minutes.
How to buy healthy food on a tight budget
It’s hard to argue with a $1 double cheeseburger. Perhaps that’s why so many believe that eating healthy is expensive. The myth has become so pervasive that everyone from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to health care providers is attempting to dispel it. Now the Environmental Working Group is joining in. The EWG has combined forces with anti-hunger group Share Our Strength to create a healthy shopping guide for low-income households: “Good Food on a Tight Budget.�
Study: There's no such thing as healthy obesity
You've probably heard someone say, "I'm fat but fit." Several recent studies have suggested this statement could be true. But a new review of existing studies published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine may put a stop to the rumor. "Healthy obesity" is just a myth, the study authors say.
Norovirus: The most common stomach bug
Princess Cruises spokeswoman Julie Benson says the early docking came because of forecasts predicting heavy fog in Houston, not because of the illness. But, she said a total of 178 people reported the illness during the voyage, and lab tests confirmed that it was norovirus. It's the second outbreak of norovirus on a cruise ship this week. Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas docked in New Jersey on Wednesday, two days earlier than expected.
What the Yuck: Mercury poisoning from sushi?
Too embarrassed to ask your doctor about sex, body quirks, or the latest celeb health fad? In a regular feature and a new book, "What the Yuck?!," Health magazine medical editor Dr. Roshini Raj tackles your most personal and provocative questions. Send 'em to Dr. Raj at whattheyuck@health.com. Q: Can you really get mercury poisoning from eating too much sushi? Believe it or not, you can.
'About 20' cases of polio-like illness found in California
"About 20" cases of a polio-like syndrome have been identified in California children over the past 18 months, a Stanford University researcher says. Dr. Keith Van Haren, a pediatric neurologist at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, has written a report about five of the early cases.
'Routine' tonsillectomies not so routine
When Jahi McMath suffered severe complications following a tonsillectomy, and doctors declared her brain dead, many parents were shocked. More than 500,000 tonsillectomies are performed each year on children in the United States; it's the second most common pediatric surgery. But how routine are these procedures really? Not so much, a new study published Monday in the scientific journal Pediatrics suggests.
Food in the New Orleans drama 'Treme'
In the middle of the first episode of David Simon's New Orleans drama "Treme," chef Janette DeSautel has run out of dessert. And so, three months after Hurricane Katrina, she sells a customer the packaged Hubig's pie in her purse, telling her sous chef to "dress it up baby - drizzle something on it." It's the tastiest moment in the show - invoking a collective sigh from the New Orleans diaspora - and one of the most inaccurate. There were no fresh Hubig's pies in the city at that time.
Acetaminophen may not relieve back pain
Doctors often suggest taking acetaminophen for low back pain relief. But according to a new study, the popular painkiller isn’t any more effective in alleviating an aching back than letting the pain naturally subside. A study published Thursday in The Lancet found patients who took acetaminophen for low back pain had the same recovery time as those who took a placebo, or sugar pill. The study was partially funded by GlaxoSmithKline, a company that manufactures drugs containing acetaminophen.
Child medication measurements confuse parents
Do you know the difference between teaspoons and tablespoons? Many parents don’t, according to a study published Monday by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which found more than 10,000 calls to the poison center each year are due to liquid medication dosage errors.
5 studies you may have missed
Here's a roundup of five medical studies published this week that might give you new insights into your health, mind and body. Remember, correlation is not causation – so if a study finds a connection between two things, it doesn't mean that one causes the other. Mot??rhead is one of the most hardcore rock ’n’ roll acts on Earth Journal: The Lancet That Mot??rhead has the reputation as one of the most hardcore rock’n’roll acts on earth may not surprise you.
Genetics play a bigger role than environmental causes for autism
Genetics plays more of a role in the development of autism than environmental causes, according to new research published Sunday in Nature Genetics. The study found that 52% of autism risk comes from common genes, while only 2.6% are attributed to spontaneous mutations caused by, among other things, environmental factors. “These genetic variations are common enough that most people are likely to have some,�
Why you really should get 'Fit By 40'
Thirty was not a good year for Michelle Jackson. A few weeks before her birthday, she lost her job. Then her husband left her -- with a 1½-year-old at home. So it's understandable that as her 40th birthday approached, the Milwaukee resident was nervous. Sure, she had a new job that she loved and her husband had returned. But the medical data analyst was more than 150 pounds overweight, despite working every day with experts who stressed the importance of staying healthy.
Healing process after rape never ends
Trent Mays, 17, and Ma'lik Richmond, 16, will spend at least a year in a juvenile correctional facility, although authorities could decide to keep them in custody until they turn 21. Both must undergo treatment and will have to register as sex offenders. For the 16-year-old victim, the next steps aren't so clear. She was raped last summer at a party; witnesses posted images of the assault on social media. The case has garnered national attention and sparked a conversation about rape in America.
'Impaired Perceptions': Photographer rejects first impressions
Brian Steel was taught from birth that he was "handicapped." Singled out in school by policies and his peers, he grew up feeling unfairly judged because of the way his body worked. Tired of the way people made up their minds before getting to know him, Steel decided to photograph other people with disabilities and tell their stories. The result was a photo exhibit called "Impaired Perceptions" that premiered in Atlanta late last year.
Ironman champ joins Fit Nation team
Editor's note: Chrissie Wellington is a four-time World Ironman champion. Her autobiography, "A Life Without Limits," is available on Amazon. It is an absolute privilege and an honor to be able to introduce myself as a guest coach of CNN’s 2012 Team Fit Nation Tri Challenge.
Human Factor: A goal is a direction, not an end
In the Human Factor, we profile survivors who have overcome the odds. Confronting a life obstacle - injury, illness or other hardship - they tapped their inner strength and found resilience they didn't know they possessed. This week meet Kyle Maynard. Despite being born without arms or legs, Maynard has played football, wrestled, and he's hoping to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.
Victims fall to superstorm's wrath
Roots ripped out of the ground as a large oak tree fell toward Olga Raymond's front door. With it came a power line. The 90-year-old woman -- a "spirited" bowler and grandmother of four -- was killed instantly. Across the Northeast, more stories such as Raymond's are being reported. Another tree, another town, another broken home. And the death toll from Superstorm Sandy climbs. Sandy battered the coast with 90-mph winds, leaving at least 165 dead from Haiti to Canada.
3-D printer saves toddler who can't breathe
When Garrett Peterson was born, nurses couldn't rotate his head from side to side. Doing so made him turn blue instantly. Garrett was born with tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve -- a fancy way of saying he had a hole between the lower chambers of his heart, which put extreme pressure on his lungs. The pressure caused his airways to collapse; in essence, he was trying to breathe through tiny slits. This condition is called severe tracheobronchomalacia.
Juicing: Healthy detox or diet trap?
Juicing -- if you believe its avid fans -- is a great way to detox the body, prevent disease and lose weight. There's something appealing about being able to blend up broccoli, kale and cucumbers and mask them with the sweet taste of strawberries. You get your vitamins without having to chow down on salad every day at lunch. Plus you can tell everyone you're juicing, which helps you look cool in today's fitness-focused world.
Prostituted child leaves 'game' for good - CNN.com
(CNN) -- She was 11 the first time it happened. Her sister had left her at an ice-skating rink in a fit of teenage drama. When Bea finally made it home, the doors were locked. Her parents ignored her pleas to be let in. She had missed curfew -- those were the rules. As temperatures dropped, the child started to wander toward downtown Atlanta alone. A car pulled up beside her. Did she need a place to stay? She nodded and climbed in. Minutes later they arrived at a motel.
Meningitis outbreak: What is a compounding pharmacy?
As of Thursday afternoon, 170 people in 11 states had become sick with the noncontagious fungal meningitis; 14 of those have died . Health officials expect those numbers to rise as the investigation continues. The cases have been linked to injections of contaminated steroid medication made by the Massachusetts-based New England Compounding Center.
Do YOU need to lose weight?
Are you sure you want to delete your account? You'll lose everything, forever! Of course not!
All the countries that had a woman leader before the U.S.
By Amanda Wills, Jacque Smith and Casey Hicks, CNN Hillary Clinton is one step closer to becoming the first woman to lead the United States.
Muhammad Ali's health battle: What is Parkinson's disease? | CNN
Story highlights Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system Neurons die, leaving the brain with a deficit of a chemical called dopamine Approximately 1 million people in the United States have Parkinson's CNN — Boxing legend Muhammad Ali died Friday at age 74 after a lengthy battle against Parkinson’s disease. Ali was diagnosed with the disease in 1984, three years after he retired.
Timeline: AIDS moments to remember
Science has come a long way since HIV was identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some of the most memorable moments in AIDS history. On June 5, the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report publishes the first mention of what later is determined to be HIV. The report mentions five cases of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in young men. The piece prompts reporting from New York, San Francisco and other cities of similar cases.
Common chemicals challenge sperm
(CNN) — Chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, commonly found in our food and products such as makeup, sunscreen and toothpaste, have been shown to cause fertility problems. Now scientists have a better understanding of why. Researchers found endocrine disruptors can interfere with human sperm’s ability to move, navigate and/or penetrate an egg. Their study results were published Monday in EMBO reports. Wait, what’s an endocrine disruptor?
CEO Tim Cook defends Apple's resistance in FBI iPhone case
Apple CEO Tim Cook defended his company's opposition to the FBI's iPhone-hacking plan at its annual shareholder meeting, one day after the tech giant formally challenged a court order to help the FBI unlock an encrypted iPhone used by a murderous extremist in San Bernardino, California. "We do these because these are the right things to do," Cook said in a brief reference to the company's privacy stance in the case.
Teen loses 100 pounds, gets tummy tuck
(CNN) At 15, MacKenzie Walker has accomplished more than most people twice her age. She's written a book. She's started a business, training and coaching clients online. She's amassed nearly 60,000 Instagram followers. And perhaps most impressive, MacKenzie has lost -- and kept off -- 100 pounds. "She never misses the gym," her dad, Scott Walker, said.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jacque
Contact Jacque, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack