CNN 5 Things

Republicans worked hard in 2024 to court young men who were fans of combat sports and certain podcasters. After helping fuel President Donald Trump to victory, there are signs this group has soured on him and may not even vote at all in the midterms. We explore how the party is trying to keep them around and whether Democrats are having any success either. --- Guest: Steve Contorno, CNN Senior Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says a Vivek Ramaswamy ad featuring the estranged mom of his democratic opponent is "fair game". Sources tell CNN the Justice Department is investigating misconduct allegations against Trump ally Corey Lewandowski. Ukrainians dispute that Elon Musk has restored Starlink on battlefield. New York City approves ban on horse-drawn carriage rides. And Idaho inmates are growing thousands of native plants to help with wildfire recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ohio gubernatorial candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy refuses to pull a controversial ad targeting his opponent despite backlash. A magnitude 7 earthquake shakes China’s Tibet region. Websites worldwide shutdown after AI reveals critical cybersecurity flaws. An 82-year-old democratic senator in Virginia faces racketeering and other charges tied to an alleged marijuana operation. Plus, France reports its first known human case of a virus typically found in livestock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Experts say the critical Senate race in Michigan could come down to Black voters in urban areas like Detroit. But is Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed taking this group for granted? Our team travels to Flint to hear from voters about what this outreach looks like. --- Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump links Russia's release of American prisoner to his decision to waive oil sanctions. El-Sayed, Rogers trade personal attacks in final Michigan Senate Debate. Bodycam & surveillance footage released in fatal police shooting of 1-year-old in Mississippi. Meta ordered to pay $25B in one of the largest legal penalties ever for a tech company. Candidate turns campaign sign vandalism into viral ad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President JD Vance defends Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate’s controversial ad against his opponent. A 74-year-old American imprisoned in Russia for more than four years is on his way home, while Russia and Ukraine seem open to talks to end the war in Ukraine. Two new cases of alleged sexual assault at fraternity houses come to light. The Supreme court handed the Trump administration a rare loss on a transgender care policy. Plus, the UN warns a major global climate goal is out of reach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new political ad from Ohio Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy featuring his Democratic opponent’s estranged mom telling voters to reject her has even some Republicans decrying dragging a painful family dynamic into the political arena. But in a close race, could the move sway undecided voters? We examine why Ramswamy is doubling down and how it could impact the race in a key battleground state. --- Guest: Patrick Svitek, CNN Politics Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivek Ramaswamy says his campaign is behind an ad that features the estranged mother of his opponent in the Ohio governor's race. New CNN polls give final read on how voters are feeling ahead of pivotal midterm election. Pentagon okays tests of heat ray for potential use at U.S. southern border. Christina Applegate reveals she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. And an Omaha couple celebrates 30 years of marriage on the airline where they first met. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Poll after poll continues to show strong enthusiasm for Democrats, including for Senate candidates in deep red states. But are they setting expectations of a blue wave too high? We look at recent history for a reality check. --- Guest: Zachary B. Wolf, CNN Politics Senior Writer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump heads to NC in next stop on midterm sprint. Family calls for video to be released after Mississippi AG decides fatal police shooting of 1-year-old was justified. Trump considering Putin-Xi summit without Ukraine. Tense showdown between federal judge and Trump Administration over DC golf course renovation. Brewers fan headed to World Series after cashing in on $1000 "timeless ticket" purchased more than a decade ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early voting kicks off in Texas while President Donald Trump is starting his midterm campaign blitz. The Supreme Court backs the Pentagon’s decision to throw out plea deals for the alleged conspirators of 9/11. Elon Musk vows to give each American child a SpaceX share—a promise worth billions of dollars. Plus, President Trump signs an executive order that creates a women’s health task force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After President Donald Trump and the Republican Party made gains with Latino voters in 2024, polling suggests that support is evaporating. We look at where that is most evident on the midterm map and what it could mean for this crucial voting bloc moving forward. --- Guest: Eric Bradner, CNN National Political Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's campaign blitz begins in Kansas today. More than half a million people hit the streets of France in violent protests over rising living costs and other issues. 34-year-old driver released after soccer game tragedy. New use of red light therapy could improve IVF success. And officers chase runaway emus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Years of gang-fueled violence have left Haiti in disrepair, killing thousands and displacing over a million people. Now an American military contractor thinks he has a solution. CNN got exclusive access to an anti-gang operation led by US security tycoon Erik Prince to see what he is proposing and whether Haitians welcome his involvement. Watch more here: Haiti’s drone war --- Guests: Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Chief International Security Correspondent & Caitlin Hu, CNN International News Reporting Director Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two cancer care professionals became patients themselves – and discovered just how powerful their friendship could be. Why a church parking lot could be your next home. A 2026 CNN Hero who once relied on food pantries is reimagining how Chicago families get the food they need. A 2024 study estimated that 52 million Americans struggle with loneliness – find out what CNN learned from experts about how to combat that. Plus, how a scheduling shakeup turned into a big win for fans at this year's WNBA Finals. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Kathleen Toner, Samantha Delouya, Don Riddell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s new press secretary is out of a job after less than a week. A father of two is hailed a hero for stopping a deadly school shooting in Oregon. Six Flags over Georgia is scheduled to reopen days after a man’s roller coaster death. Ukraine’s president takes a covert swipe at Trump amid tensions. And, Pope Leo makes a bedside plea for peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In recent years, Republican-led legislatures have pushed through strict voting restrictions in a number of states that could determine the balance of the Senate this fall. We look at what voters are dealing with and how it could impact turnout on Election Day. --- Guest: Bob Ortega, CNN Investigates Senior Writer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oregon community mourns after deadly elementary school shooting. Michigan Senate race gets nasty as Vance and El-Sayed trade words. Ukraine runs out of Patriot defense missiles. A super El Niño looms large over U.S. winter outlook. Bird gets a new 3D-printed beak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine runs out of Patriot missiles as tensions flare with President Donald Trump. Winter is expected to be warmer than usual. A firing squad execution won’t be livestreamed as planned. A deadly school roof collapse in Pakistan is under investigation. Plus, Harry and Meghan make their first public appearance together since their return to Britain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to campaign spending, one person has spent more than anyone else: the trillionaire Elon Musk. However, some election officials believe his efforts to boost Republicans could be misleading voters. We look at what voters are seeing and how it could muddy the waters come Election Day. --- Guest: Fredreka Schouten, CNN National Political Writer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrat James Talarico makes his case to Texas voters in a CNN town hall. Trump's approval rating hits a record low in a new poll. Cornell president faces backlash over handling of reported 2024 gang rape. Pope Leo thanks Catholics for their prayers as he recovers from surgery. California hospital welcomes 4 sets of twins in 1 month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voters are getting a final check on consumer prices ahead of the midterms. A judge says the president’s press ban likely violates the First Amendment. Pope Leo shares his first message after a lung cancer diagnosis. Starlink restrictions catch Ukrainian authorities off guard. Plus, Joni Mitchell is officially a US citizen six decades later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico will hear from Democratic, Republican, and independent voters tonight at a CNN & Jubilee Town Hall (streaming live at 8pm ET). But is he doing enough to get the word out in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat in over 30 years? Our team heads to Fort Worth to find out. --- Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senate candidates spar in Maine, Iowa, Georgia. White House ousts Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Katie Zacharia's "brutal" first press briefing. Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer. NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover sets off-world driving record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A former gang leader learns his fate for the death of Tupac Shakur. Police identify the man who fell to his death from a Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia. The White House ousts the US ambassador to Greece. Cornell University bans fraternity parties for the rest of the academic year. Plus, Pope Leo is recovering from an unexpected surgery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After helping power President Donald Trump’s two presidential wins, some GOP analysts are concerned the party is not doing enough to turn out White evangelical voters. We look what might keep them home and examine how some Democrats are leaning on their own faith journeys to try and win some of them back. --- Guest: Lauren Fox, CNN Congressional Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rep. Ilhan Omar responds after federal officers search her home. Six Flags temporarily closes some roller coasters nationwide after a death in Georgia. Elon Musk emerges as top Republican booster with $276 million in donations. Actress Selma Blair charged with assault after alleged midair incident. Cyberattack hits hundreds of French supermarkets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar is condemning a search of her home by federal officers today. President Donald Trump is considering whether to fire the US Ambassador to Greece after reports of misconduct. Pope Leo XIV announced he’ll undergo a procedure to remove a nodule from his lung. An explosion during an Israeli school trip has left one teenager and others injured. Plus, the FBI is investigating reports of a physically abusive passenger aboard a flight to New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GOP operatives in South Carolina say the campaign of Sen. Darline Graham has been lackluster, fueling Democratic excitement in a Republican stronghold. Is it because she is a political newcomer thrust into the spotlight following the death of her brother, Sen. Linsday Graham, or something else? We sift through Sunday’s debate and look at why talk of a political dynasty is rubbing some Republican voters the wrong way. --- Guest: Dianne Gallagher, CNN Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s US-Russia diesel deal draws bipartisan criticism. South Carolina Senate debate turns heated as the race tightens. Iran-backed Houthis launch strikes on Saudi airport. Dual Pacific storms bring flash flooding and destructive winds. Thai queen becomes the first female monarch to fly a fighter jet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From polling to local Facebook groups, you can clearly see how concerned many Americans are about artificial intelligence data centers in both. But lately, law enforcement has been forced to investigate perceived calls for violence against local officials related to these projects. We examine the fine line between free speech and calls for violence. Note: This episode contains strong language. --- Guest: Curt Devine, CNN Investigates Senior Producer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A surprise on California's beaches has scientists racing to give roughly 200 sea turtle eggs a fighting chance. An expedition is heading to a remote Pacific island to search for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane. A group of skydivers became heroes after spotting an emergency during a routine jump. What a day-in-the-life was like of a newly-minted Nobel Prize winner. Plus, Singapore is trying a new approach to get more people off their phones and start a reading habit. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Kathleen Magramo, Katie Hunt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hurricane Isaias, now a Category 3 storm, is expected to make landfall near Pensacola, Florida. New developments are emerging about the motives behind last week’s attempted Flydubai hijacking. New York City's mayor condemns an ICE shooting that wounded a man in front of his 5-year-old child. The Pentagon announced plans to livestream the military’s first firing squad execution since 1945. Plus, legendary NFL player and coach of “Da Bears,” Mike Ditka, has died. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats believe a Senate seat in Texas in reach this year, thanks to a combination of enthusiasm for their candidate James Talarico and the scandal-ridden past of his opponent, state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Now, CNN has exclusive new reporting about what Paxton allegedly said about his primary opponent behind closed doors. --- Guest: Patrick Svitek, CNN Politics Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hurricane Isaias to hit Gulf Coast tonight. Nobel Peace Prize awarded. Fiery Senate debates in Michigan and Georgia. Trump donor accuses Amb. Guilfoyle of quid pro quo. 11-year-old boy gets tricked-out Star Wars Halloween costume for his wheelchair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Gulf Coast is bracing for impact as Hurricane Isaias approaches landfall. A decision looms on President Donald Trump’s press ban. Trump says he won’t attack Iran before the midterms. Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife face new charges over disturbing torture allegations. Plus, Russia unleashes its deadliest single strike against Ukraine this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new CNN poll of Iowa and Ohio is revealing tight Senate races in states President Donald Trump easily won in 2024. We dig into the positive signs for Democrats and examine what the data doesn’t tell us about Republican voters. For more: New CNN polls give Democrats hope in a pair of red states --- Guest: Jennifer Agiesta, CNN Director of Polling and Election Analytics Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New polls in Iowa and Ohio Senate races. Hurricane Isaias headed toward Gulf Coast. US expected to file new charges against Maduro. USS Lincoln crew to reunite with families after record deployment. First look at Zoo Atlanta giant panda on loan from China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest on Christa Pike’s condition and today’s hearing over her failed execution last week. A man has been charged in an alleged Mall of America terror plot. President Donald Trump floats firing top political advisers less than 30 days before the midterms. A dangerous storm is forecast to become the Atlantic’s first hurricane of the season. Plus, details on the new auto enrollment structure for Trump Accounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s baseless attacks on mail-in voting and new rules from the US Postal Service, some election officials are encouraging voters to return their ballots in drop boxes. However, disinformation and conspiracy theories persist. We explore how local officials are working to secure them ahead of Election Day. --- Guest: Jeremy Herb, CNN Politics Reporter Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TN Inmate who survived execution attempt is awake & speaking. Trump to talk to Putin about mysterious death of employee at anti-plague lab. Republican super PAC spending $5M on SC Senate race. Ex-CIA official pleads guilty to fraud scheme that involved 4 luxury houses & $46M in gold bars. Extreme explorer launches 400+ mile journey in Congo River basin on inflatable kayak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another prominent official is getting involved in gang rape allegations at Cornell University. President Donald Trump signed a new order aimed at lowering diesel prices. New York became the first to declare a statewide measles disaster emergency. A wave of massive student protests has France on edge. Plus, the tech push behind a new mega-merger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump is in the midst of a weeklong campaign blitz through Trump-friendly territory, trying to beat back Democratic headwinds ahead of Election Day. But will his presence hurt or help GOP turnout? We head to Nebraska to find out. --- Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump to stop using taxpayer money for promo ads. Cornell faculty prepare vote of no confidence against administration. Trump approves first military execution by firing squad since WWII. Influential TV evangelist Jim Bakker dies at 86. Robots trained to melt themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Israeli airport may have been the target in a suspected hijacking attempt last week. A Russian lab worker’s death is sparking fears of the plague. A new revelation is raising more questions about what Cornell University police shared with prosecutors in a sexual assault investigation. The man convicted of murdering his wife now faces his final sentence. Plus, meet the newest Nobel Prize winners that helped illuminate the deepest mysteries of the human brain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As voter skepticism of artificial intelligence and data centers rises, a new CNN analysis finds that millions of dollars are being spent on midterm advertising that appears to include AI-generated content. However, more than two-thirds of that spending has been on ads that didn't disclose using the technology. We break down what to look for and whether the ads could impact the outcome of certain races. --- Guest: Fredreka Schouten, CNN National Political Writer Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Supreme Court takes on climate change in first case of term. US moves Air Force bombers from UK base after threat. Protests in Japan after US Marine arrested on suspicion of murder. Clinical trial for possible new drug to prevent Ebola infection. Giant pumpkin battles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Climate scientists are warning that a super-sized El Niño is laying the groundwork for stronger storms, extreme heat, and potential food supply disruptions in certain parts of the world. But what exactly is this weather phenomenon? And how does climate change fit in? We look at how impacts are already being felt and what the coming months could look like. For more: El Niño just leveled up to super status. Here’s what that means for the weather --- Guests: Deborah Funai Brown & Ali Van Fleet, CNN Meteorologist Host: David Rind Producer: Paola Ortiz Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Eric Zerkel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At Rikers Island in New York, a book club co-founded by Nora Fried and Julia Fox gives incarcerated women a chance to read, write and feel seen. A robot built from recycled plastic is giving deaf students a new way to learn STEM. Why more people are choosing to start their day with coffee and a rave. A high school science teacher found something paleontologists had never seen before. Plus, meet the youngest player ever to claim the highest women's title in chess. Host/Producer: Krista Bo Polanco Producer: Eryn Mathewson Senior Producer: Felicia Patinkin Editorial Support: Paola Ortiz, Steve Tuemmler, Sophia Anderson, Natalie Haytayan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voters get their last economic report card ahead of the midterms. The alleged Cornell University gang rape case has turned into an active criminal investigation. Europe is releasing a large amount of its diesel reserves to cool surging fuel prices. The annual Kennedy Center Honors is moving off-site for the first time. And, an update on Christa Pike after surviving lethal injection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices