podcast
CNN 5 Things
Monday through Friday get up to speed on the biggest headlines of the day with 5 Things. On Saturdays, get a break for your ears with good news from 5 Good Things. And at noon and Sundays, we take you beyond the headlines to help make sense of what everyone is talking about in politics and beyond with One Thing.

Democrats are projected to win their largest House majority since 2008, as some Republicans turn against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Bomb threats disrupt more flights in Europe. France sees its largest day of protests in months. British actor and comedian Russell Brand is found guilty of rape and sexual assault. Plus, another legend retires from international soccer after the 2026 World Cup.
Nov 5, 2026
The stunning Senate and gubernatorial victories for Democrats in deep-red Texas were among the highlights of a historic Election Night for the party. But is it a flash in the pan, or part of a broader sea change? We explore where the MAGA erosion is most prominent in the state and look at why Elon Musk’s millions barely made a dent.
---
Guest: Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Nov 5, 2026
Dems look to deliver on affordability. GOP looks for new leadership as Vance blames the Iran war for election losses. Security guard stops gunman who drove into office complex. Melania Trump hosting Ukraine and Russia at the White House. And the world's best restaurant is...
Nov 5, 2026
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance share what they thought attributed to Republican midterm losses. House Speaker Mike Johnson says he’s stepping aside from a GOP leadership position in the next Congress. Wall Street votes "yes" on the midterm results. The nation’s largest drugstore retailer is breaking up its health care empire. And, how a woman’s first marathon came to a tragic end.
Nov 4, 2026
Democrats retook both the House and Senate after romping through multiple deep-red states in a historic midterm election. Is this a product of President Donald Trump’s historic unpopularity, or a more fundamental reshaping of our politics? We take stock of the map and how Democrats could approach being in the majority for the final two years of Trump’s term.
---
Guest: David Chalian, CNN Washington Bureau Chief/Political Director
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Nov 4, 2026
Hear from Dems who flipped senate seats. Historic firsts in governor's races. Trump points the blame elsewhere after stunning rebuke from voters. And how voters weighed in on ballot measures for recreational marijuana and billionaire taxes.
Nov 4, 2026
Ballot issues are being reported in some areas with pivotal elections. President Donald Trump says he’s ending billions in US aid to Israel. A nine-day manhunt for a convicted murderer who escaped prison is over. Bomb threats disrupt travel across Europe. Plus, why “mogging” is officially having a moment.
Nov 3, 2026
Election Day voting is underway across the country, with control of the House and Senate on the line. We check in on a polling place in Michigan, where some voters are splitting their ticket amid Democratic drama in the key Senate race.
---
Guest: Sunlen Serfaty, CNN Correspondent
Host: David Rind
Producer: Paola Ortiz
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin
Editorial Support: Nicky Robertson
Nov 3, 2026
Balance of power on the line as polls open. Supreme Court rejects Trump administration effort to force CA to set aside 20,000 ballots. Storm moves east after deadly flooding in Southwest. Plane crash victims identified. English adventurer returns home after 28 years and 31,000 miles around the world.
Nov 3, 2026
President Donald Trump wrapped up his midterm campaign with closing remarks at the Reflecting Pool. Some House Republicans are privately pushing to boot Rep. Haley Stevens after her controversial endorsement switch. Rain could impact voter turnout in key races. Federal investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fiery crash in Florida that left behind a massive crater. And, a judge in the Lindsay Clancy triple-murder trial has proposed a timeline for a potential retrial.
Nov 2, 2026






